Focus
Relax, reflect and embrace the ever-presence of God in our lives who cares for all.
Read
John 10:22-30 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
Reflect
The Festival of Dedication is also called Hanukkah. Jesus was attending the festival in an area of the temple where the Jews gathered discussing and debating the scriptures. They were so entrenched in the Law and religion, they were missing the very reason for their festival. Hanukkah is also called the Festival of Lights which commemorates the miracle of a small bottle containing enough oil to light the menorah in the temple for one day. The miracle was the oil kept the lamp burning for eight days instead of one. The Light of the World was standing before them, but the Jews questioned Jesus if He was the Christ overlooking the miracles that proclaimed that He was the Christ. How many times do we overlook the miracles or blessings that Lord performs in our lives failing to give him the thanks or the glory? In our high tech, sophisticated world, we take a lot of things for granted, and I fear we take Him for granted. No matter the size of the miracle or blessing, our analytical minds want to explain it away instead of embracing it and falling to our knees giving thanks to God.
Pray
Holy Father in Heaven, forgive me when I take you for granted and fail to be thankful for all the things that come into my life; both the lessons to help me grow in your Spirit, and for your benevolence in my care and keeping. Most especially for your salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ. It is in his Holy name that I ask this. Amen
Go with God!
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