I've just started a new Bible reading plan on YouVersion, a plan that has me reading Matthew/Mark/Luke/John all at the same time.  I'll be immersed in stories about Jesus' life and teachings... like a blast from a fire hose. Today, here's what jumped out at me: In Luke 2, we learn about Simeon, a devout God-following Jewish man. God had told him he would not die before seeing the one who would save Israel... the Christ. God prompted him to go to the temple on one particular day, the same day Joseph and Mary took their baby, Jesus, to the temple as was the custom.  Simeon immediately recognized that this newborn baby was the Christ, saying... my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. (Luke 2: 30-32) Simeon recognized Jesus because the Holy Spirit led him to do so. He was walking with God closely enough that it was natural for him to recognize God's 'salvation'. He saw because of God's Spirit.

Years later, Jesus, his family, and his disciples (the men he had asked to travel with and learn from him) were all attending a wedding. The host ran out of wine, and Jesus ended up turning multiple jars of water into the best wine of the night (after a little exchange with his mother... which I would love to have witnessed).  John 2:11 says this, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him. Later these same disciples realized that the things Jesus did fulfilled the prophecies in the scriptures they had studied as boys. This strengthened their belief that he was the Christ. The disciples recognize the truth about who Jesus was by his actions and through the fulfillment of prophecies happening right in front of them. They saw because of God's word and the experience they were having together.

Our pastor says this over and over... God's Spirit, God's word, God's people. This is how we know God... this is how we live within his will... this is how to live the best possible life. This is how we can recognize Jesus at work, around us, wherever we are.