Park Bench Conversation

Have you ever wondered how a personal encounter with Jesus would go between you and him? Imagine that you have taken a break for lunch on a park bench. A man approaches and sits down at the end of the bench. You know it is him, and he turns to you and says…

What would he say?

In John 2:25 we learn that Jesus knows each of us personally and speaks to us where we are at. We see this all through scripture.

In that same chapter he speaks to the Pharisees about their faith in Moses and the law, but their blindness to seeing him in the scriptures.

With the Samaritan woman he talks about living water as she lowers her jug into Jacob’s well. (John 4:23-24)

With Nicodemus, an educated man of the law, he discusses born-again theology. (John 3:10)

With Nathaniel, who joked “can anything good come out of Nazareth?” he kids back, “Behold an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” (John 1:46-47)

In each case Jesus made a point of connection where each person was and moved on to where they needed to go.

What would Jesus say to you?

I have thought about this, and I think Jesus would begin with, “What a beautiful day to enjoy all I have created. Got any questions about how all of this is going to turn out?”

And I would melt in his eyes of love.

What would Jesus say to you? How would he meet you at the center of your heart and mind? How would he prompt you to follow him today?

Holy God, you know me through and through. You knit me together in my mother’s womb and have kept knowing me right up to now. You welcome conversations with me that are honest and raw. You can handle my talks because you know and love me as I am and have my best interests at heart.

Throughout the Day: Pause from time to time to listen for God. Ask him, “what are you saying to me right now Lord?” Remember that he knows you intimately and desires to have a park bench encounter with you.