JOHN 1:14 – And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
THEME OF THE DAY. VISIT THESE PLACES OFTEN. Our world has so much to distract us from looking to Jesus and being transformed by that look (2 Corinthians 3:18). Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, worldly busyness served up a host of things clouding our view of Jesus. We gave ourselves over to much stuff; social activities, events, pursuits, entertainment, hobbies, and recreation so filled our lives, the Lord easily was neglected. Then came the virus. And a lot of our busyness was taken away externally, but our hearts got really “busy” with fear, anxiety, stress, and worry. The same results occurred – neglect of looking to Jesus. But there is hope. If we discipline ourselves to visit three places in our mind’s eye, supported by scripture, we may overcome both types of busyness and find our hearts at rest and deepening in the love of Christ. Go to these places often to keep spiritual sensitivity high and the first love for Jesus fervent as we observe His love on display at these places.
First, visit Jesus being born in Bethlehem’s manger and see His humbling love – All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us) (Matthew 1:22-23). Ponder often God becoming man. It will remind us of the humble nature of our Lord and make us love Him more.
Next, visit the place Jesus often went to for prayer and observe His agonizing love – And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground (Luke 22:39-44). The Son of God shedding blood and tears in prayer. Let this sacred scene drive us to greater love and adoration for Him.
A third place to visit to keep our hearts tender and deepening in love of Christ is at the foot of His cross – And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him (Matthew 27:30-31). Sit at His feet. Stare up into His blood-soaked face. Look at His feet, side, and hands. If you visit this place often, the heart cannot help but be tender and pliable in the Divine Potter’s hand.
Distractions and busyness. They keep us from looking to Jesus and growing in Him. To prevent their influence on our hearts, take visits to see Jesus – at His birth, in the Garden to pray, and at His cross. We will maintain first love for Him.
PRAYER: “Father, help me to keep my mind stayed on Your Son and my heart attached to Him.”
QUOTE: “Meditate on the Lord Jesus’ birth, praying, death, and resurrection. It will empower all of your life.”