For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (I Corinthians 2:2 ESV)
There He is!
I had a difficult task, involving a long drive, some confrontational conversations, some gospel to offer that I did not expect to be received at all, let alone well.
But along the way, I was met by someone who I really enjoy seeing. It was just a brief visit, barely time for a meal. But somehow, knowing that I would see him, at times I could almost talk to him in the empty car seat. And his gentle wisdom, his dry sense of humor, our affection, and just having him there (as both a point on the map, and in his almost-presence in the car) helped a lot.
Jesus is more than that.
Not only is He present as we think of Him, read of Him, and pray in His name, but there is more. He is present because He created our world (Ephesians 3:9). He fills all of creation as He is reconciling it to Himself (II Corinthians 5:19). He is present in His sovereignty, guiding, causing, moving, and effecting every event around us. (Isaiah 45:15).
It was easy, perhaps, for Paul to know nothing but Jesus, because Jesus is present in everything.
We are only at one place, but Christ is everywhere.