Hasten

12-30-22
 
As we continue to celebrate Jesus' birth while waiting for his Second Coming, my devotion for today is based on Luke 2:15-16, "When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger."
 
Nobody had to to the shepherds to hurry up. They hurried themselves up. They were looking forward to getting to their goal—finding the baby Jesus that God had told them about through the Angels. And when they saw Him, they were happy, filled with so much joy that they had to share what they had seen.

I am afraid that too often in our relationship with Jesus, we don't hasten to hear or study His words to us. God knows this about us. And so He calls us to Him with love and mercy, not with anger and threats. Jesus says, "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

In another place, He says, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'" (John 7:37-38).

Remember you are wanted by God—deeply, truly wanted. He calls you to Him. He is not planning to scold or punish you when you get there. Instead, He is giving you a gift—the best gift of all—our Savior Jesus, to be your own.

Please pray with me, Dear Lord, bring me to You with trust and joy to receive Your blessings. Amen.