Repeat the Sounding Joy

14. The Greatest Pursuit

It's me again God,

Thank You for the peace You gave me yesterday and for the many blessings of this special time of year! I really just want to stay focussed on You and have the enthusiasm that the shepherds showed after the angel had visited, telling the good news of Jesus' birth.

"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." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger."
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:15-16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

After the surprising encounter in the fields, I would have thought the shepherds would have needed a moment or two to collect their thoughts and get over the shock! However it appears they wasted no time at all in heading off to Bethlehem to see Jesus! They all agreed to go and there was no argument over what they had just witnessed —they knew that the angel was a messenger from You.

It's also interesting that they didn't get concerned about leaving the place where they were working and if it was a large flock, I assume they just had to leave it behind to pursue the Messiah. I love that they didn't seem worried about details like how they would actually find this baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. They just took steps in the right direction, pursuing Jesus with all their heart and when they did this —they found Him! This reminds me of the prophetic words spoken by Jeremiah:

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Lord I thank You that these words are fulfilled over and over again as people come looking for You and always find You —not just when they initially accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour but at all times. Sometimes I have experienced times when I drifted and hadn't spent much time with You in prayer but every time that I called on Your Name with all my heart, You were there!

Lord at this crazy time of year, there are many who are so caught up in the rush to be prepared for the celebrations, that they completely forget the importance of seeking You, pursuing You and spending time with You! I know that I have been there in the past but now I wouldn't want to miss this special time with You! I pray that this Christmas, many would hear the Good News and hurry to Jesus! May Your Spirit guide me to those who need to know You and may I have confidence to share my faith today.

In His Name,
Amen.