July 16 Stop to Go

Luke 2:15 When the angels had left them and gone into Heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
 
SEVERAL years ago I had the opportunity to travel to Baltimore. The night I arrived was the night the Baltimore Ravens won the Super Bowl. Two days later, the city celebrated with a parade that traveled the street bordering the building where I was working. I’m a football fan. This was a nice opportunity to see members of the best team in the game.
     But I didn’t see it. I missed this historic moment in Baltimore’s history. I didn’t stop my work for a few minutes to go outside and watch. I have no idea what happened regarding the parade. Did the Ravens really go by the office building?
     Then I think, with that “too much to do” attitude, the shepherds could have missed Jesus that night. When the angels had “gone into Heaven”, if they had said, “No, we won’t go.” they would have missed one of the three greatest spectacles to be seen on earth. (Do you know the other two? One hasn’t happened yet.) Think of it. God favored these men with an invitation into his presence. Then in wonder and awe, they went to see.
     That’s the Bible, isn’t it? God favors his creation with his presence. God invites you to personally experience his very presence in your life. Do you go in awe? Or do you wonder, “Why bother?” Do you focus on, “I need to get this done.” Or do you focus on time with Jesus? God’s messenger still comes. He is the Holy Spirit. He seldom comes to literally shine over our dark nights, but he always comes to spiritually shine Jesus, “the light of the world” (John 8:12) into and onto our souls.
     Thank God for the Light in his Word to invite you into a personal relationship with him. Thank God for the Light in Spirit-empowered teachers who reveal God’s purposes and power to you. Thank God for his Light in Spirit-directed friends who invite you to a Bible study. Thank God for his Light in Spirit-caring people who pray for you. Thank God for his Light in his glorious promises to welcome you to his home. Thank God he urges you to, “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).
     Stop what you are doing and go to the Light. See the magnificent moments God has prepared for your life.
 
Prayer: Thank you Holy Spirit for your loving Light messages to me that shine Jesus into my life. I pray I am eager to go where you point me to go. Amen.