PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 2:33-40
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2:35)
So much excitement for this messiah, yet look at what he will do.
He will cause the rising and falling of many in Israel.
Many will speak against him as he exposes the hearts of people.
And even Mary his mother will have her soul pierced because of Jesus.
What is it about Jesus that attracts us to him?
He challenges our hearts and lives and calls us to repent.
He calls us to do things that go against out natural instincts.
To forgive and love our enemies, to deny ourselves for the poor and be willing to die.
How can this Jesus be good news, when he causes so much bad news?
God sends Jesus as a surgeon’s scalpel, to cut away in order to heal.
Jesus is rooting out cancer in our soul, so that we can be healed and free.
Jesus not only convicts me of my guilt, but he comforts me with God’s mercy.
And he not only compels me to be better, he takes my hand to help me.
Jesus is good news; he is the death of the old me, but the life of the new me!
PRAYER
Lord, no one likes to go under the knife, but your knife is worth it. Thank you for your healing grace!
It all comes down to what you believe about Jesus: ” so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed”. It’s now or later. Do I believe that Jesus is who he says he is? Many people and different religions will say that Jesus is a good man or even a Holy Prophet – but to say that Jesus is the only way to the Father – that He is son of God and son of man – that He is the messiah the scriptures foretold – that was indicated right from the beginning – that Jesus is who He says he is – that is bedrock – and our faith in Jesus will be revealed. May I reveal the truth about Jesus faithfully and honourably – that people’s thoughts are turned in the right direction to find their way to Jesus!
Spending time with the Lord. Anna did that daily for her hope was in God. She waited upon the Lord. And as I grow older, i need to grow in that hope and also wait upon Him and while I wait, serve Him by my living for Jesus.
hey that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary;
They will walk and not faint.
Teach me, Lord; teach me, Lord, to wait.
Teach me, Lord, to wait down on my knees
Till in your own good time you answer my pleas.
Teach me not to rely on what others do
But to wait in prayer for the answer from you.