I clearly remember the first encounter with Jesus, and it changed the course of my life. As a devout Hindu, I never anticipated becoming a pastor in the ELCA. But when the invitation to come and see is extended, the entire trajectory of a person’s life can change. For me, encountering Jesus was a transfiguration experience.
Encountering Jesus that first time so bright and shiny. I thought every future encounter with Jesus would be of a similar, happy magnitude.
Years later, I now realize that the invitation to “come and see” is not for a single event, but for an accompaniment that will carry me through my entire life. I also realize that sometimes when I’ve been asked to “come and see,” I’ve been entirely oblivious to Jesus’ presence right in front of me.
Yet in all my obliviousness, worry, and preoccupation, there is comfort in knowing that it’s not up to me. Despite my best efforts, Jesus will accompany me whether I want him to or not.
This message is excerpted from “Encountering Jesus” by Tuhina Verma Rasche in the January/February 2019 issue of Gather magazine.
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