Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 21, 2019
Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). John 1:38-39
A true encounter with the Lord Jesus births in us a deep longing to be with him. This is one of the simplest yet purest tests of any spiritual encounter or system of belief. Christians have spent centuries debating the finer points of theology, arguing for this or that interpretation of a given passage of Scripture, and writing extensively on what constitutes true and right worship. And while all of these have their merits and place in the life of the church, if they do not lead us into a deeper encounter with the living Lord Jesus, they have lost their true purpose.
Ironically, it’s so easy for Jesus to get lost in the middle of this holiday season. We are now a few short days away from the Christmas feast, and yet the holiday parties, last minute shopping, and countless family obligations threaten to push him to the periphery. And while we feel this in a profound way this time of year, the same temptation is always before us.
It is entirely possible to surround yourself with Christian people, music, things, and events, and yet in the midst of it all miss Jesus in the process. Now, hear me on this. It does not mean to do away with the Christian people and things in the name of a “pure spirituality.” God made us human beings for a reason! He loves creation, so much so that he took it upon himself so it could be healed and restored.
The only way we know how to encounter God is through our physicality, through our “creatureliness.” Yet never forget: you are not a mere animal but a heavenly being made to know and be known by God himself. As such, we must never settle for anything less than the very presence of God. And every true and real encounter with Jesus will birth in us a deeper and deeper desire to be in his presence. As he makes his home with us this Christmas season, with great longing and desire in our hearts, we turn to him daily to make our home with him, saying again and again, “Rabbi, where are you staying?”
Prayer
Father, as you dwell with us may our hearts be open to you and long to dwell in your presence always, this we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
How can you re-center your life on Jesus this week as we prepare to welcome him on Christmas Day?
Related Reading
Mark 8:34; John 14:20; Galatians 2:20
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