March 18, 2017
Why is it that some people see what others do not? That there are people who recognize God and His activity, while those right next them are completely oblivious?
A LONG LOOK IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Anna was a widow in Jerusalem during the birth of Christ. The Bible says she ""never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers"" (Luke 2:36). She had been doing this for many, many years.
Think of it this way: she had remained in the environments of God's presence, seeking the Messiah. She had continually fasted and prayed—both signs of intense pursuit and spiritual disciplines that God rewards.
People who are not interested in finding and hearing God do not do these things. But those who are intensely interested in Christ regularly fast and pray, not to appease God, but to pursue Him.
When the 8-day-old baby Jesus was brought into the temple, others merely saw another Jewish boy. Anna saw Christ. And ""at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem"" (Luke 2:38). When you see Him, it is so wonderful and rewarding, you cannot help but tell others.
EYES TO SEE
Anna had a heart that was ready to believe. When the real Christ came into the room, she knew it. Instantly.
Do you?
Are your spiritual antennae up? Do you fast and pray in pursuit of Christ? Just to “know Him,” as Paul said? Is there a drive in you that outweighs the drive for pleasure, comfort, recognition and fame? For any and every other pursuit except Him?
Millions ignore Christ’s obvious presence. They miss the most important thing in heaven and earth and suffer eternally with the loss.
But if you seek Him, earnestly and continually, you will be one of the privileged on earth. For God rewards those who pursue Him with the greatest gift of all. You will find Him and you will have everything.
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