The story of
the Lost Sons and their Father tells of one son who wandered far but returned to his father, another son who stayed home but had a heart far from his father's, and a father whose heart and gaze were always turned toward his sons. I encouraged you
last week to consider seeking God's heart rather than just his will and to pay attention to your own heart as well, whether it is turned toward or away from your Heavenly Father. (Sadly, it is possible to work hard - even "slave away" - for God and still have a heart that is hardened toward Him because of hurts and bitterness we may carry. Lord, help us!)
As I read the last chapters of Luke, I was amazed all over again at Jesus. He was laser focused and completely aware of everything that was about to take place - from how his disciples would know
where to prepare the Passover supper ("a man carrying a jar of water will meet you") to
Peter's denial ("the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know me.") Nothing surprised Him, yet He still was eager to share His last earthly Passover supper with his disciples, even though He knew what was coming next.
Everything I see in Jesus during the most difficult hours of his life on earth makes me love Him more. His
determination to obey the Father, His
restraint, and His
forgiveness are breathtaking. But what brought me to tears this morning was this thought.
Even Judas knew where to find Jesus.
Do you know where to find Jesus? Because while God is always pursuing us like the father in the parable last week, it is a glorious truth that we get to look for and find Him as well. Let me share with you some of the places where I find Jesus...
I find Jesus on the pages of Scripture, where He heals and sets free, restores and redeems. He is there.
I find Jesus in my sisters when they listen to me and pray for me in His name. He is in them.
I find Jesus when I sit and marvel at the wonders of creation, knowing His hands formed it all and He holds it together. He is everywhere.
I find Jesus on my knees or simply closing my eyes, when I remember by faith He will never leave me and He wants me to come find what I need in Him. He is here.
I find Jesus in the preschool class at church, laughing and playing with such sweet little ones. He is joyfully there!
I find Jesus when I sit in silence or surrounded by music glorifying His name. He is there.
I find Jesus when I look in the mirror and remember I am made in His image and carry His Spirit in this jar of clay. He is here.
Similar to how the season of Advent helps us prepare our hearts for celebrating Christ's coming during Christmas, since around 325AD, the Church has observed a season called
Lent to prepare our hearts for celebrating Christ's death and resurrection. Lent begins this week on Ash Wednesday (and continues til Palm Sunday or Easter, depending on how you count.) Logistics aside, what matters most is that we are seeking Christ. Because we are promised that when we seek Him, we will find Him.
Even Judas, the disciple who betrayed Him, knew where to find Jesus. And we do, too.
During the weeks between now and Easter, instead of beginning the book of Acts like previously planned, we are going to return to Christ's birth and read along through the book of Matthew. At 4 or 5 chapters a week, it will take us exactly up to Palm Sunday and Easter, so even if you haven't been reading along before, I would love to invite you to join us now as we walk with Jesus through the gospel of Matthew up to the cross.
Jesus is with us. When we are lost, He stays with us and rejoices when we find our way home. Let's seek Him as He seeks us.
Bless you, sisters!
Love,
Melissa ♥️
Sister Studies
Bible Reading Plan
Tuesday 3/5 - Matthew 1
Wednesday 3/6 - Matthew 2
Thursday 3/7 - Matthew 3
Friday 3/8 - Matthew 4
Saturday 3/9 - Matthew 5
Sunday 3/10 - Reflect/Review
Monday 3/11 - Reflect/Review
