I’m not a cat person. Not even a dog one, to my kids’ disappointment. But I grew up on a farm where we had at least half a dozen of kitties at a time. These tailed ‘fluffies’ would often come and parade their ‘catch’ in front of us. On purpose, I know. They relished seeing me scream at the sight of an upside-down rodent.
In spite of their ill intent toward me, I always enjoyed watching them bask in the presence of the sun.
The Berean Study Bible uses the term ‘bask’ in John 5:35 bringing up a different facet to that verse.
“John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light.”
(*Still catchy rhythm. I hope we memorized it by now. )
The word bask attempts to translate the greek [agalliaó], meaning ‘to jump for joy’.
I ask myself, “Are people basking in my presence, or jumping for joy in my presence?”
“There’s a Sour Sally and an Angry Andy in each church.” My husband mentioned in a recent sermon. We also have them in our families. Are we intentional in making progress in this area of basking in each others presence?
[At a friend’s suggestion, I created for myself a chart (actually my kids gladly did it for me). A chart to track and celebrate my progress. My kids did the same. At the top of the charts, we each scribbled a verse pointing to our specific issue that prohibits others from basking in our presence. ]
When I moved away from home for further schooling, one of my friends hosted a street cat into our dorm room. Although I was not mean to it, the cat knew I didn’t bask in its presence, nor did she in mine. As a result, the floor beneath my bed became her litter box. Of course, I didn’t retaliate with the same price, but she earned herself an early check-out of her lodging.
I know my cat experiences are silly, but the truth behind them is real. How many people do we give an early check-out from our presence, because we’re such a delight? (Get my tone.) The Scriptures teach us differently: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Let’s allow others to bask in our presence, as a natural result of our daily basking in the presence of the Son, Jesus Christ through His Word. “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” Joshua 1:8 NLT
Would you be willing to SHARE IN A COMMENT below one thing that prohibits you from basking in someone’s presence?
Thank you for taking the time to contribute with your insights.