Over the years I have been asked about my daily devotional habit and the insights I publish. The question I get the most is “How do you hear from God each day?” Typically, my response is; “I make room for Him.”
Today, however, I am reading Luke 24 and immediately three things jumped out at me about receiving insight. I see it in the Marys’ story. (The Marys’ is an affectionate term I have for the lady followers of Christ; often present, rarely elaborated upon.) Anyway, this morning the Mary’s were headed to the tomb: up early and eager to serve their Messiah one final time. And in their diligence, I recognize three factors for finding fresh insight. I see these factors in their story and I am aware of these three factors in my own as well.
Early Rising:
“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the woman took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.” (Luke 24:1 NIV)
I know there are folks who will fight me on this, but there is soothing special about rising early to meet with Jesus. I believe it has to do with he spiritual principle of seeking the Kingdom first. (Matthew 6:33) My mom used to say “Look to Jesus before you look to your mountain (of work/commitments/to-do’s) because Jesus can move mountains.”
Over the years I have found that if I don’t look to Jesus first, I’ll struggle to fit Him in the rest of the day. If I rise early and seek Him’ not only do I find Him but I can typically stay connected in the hours that follow.
Wondering:
“While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightening stood beside them.” (Luke 24:4 NIV)
I don’t know why, but wondering makes way for fresh insight. These ladies came to the tomb bent on serving. They arrived and found it not only open but empty. They didn’t rush off to the next task, but they allowed themselves a few moments to wonder. Their wondering was greatly rewarded when the angels showed up.
I find that leaving room to wonder has greatly enhanced my personal bible study. I wonder about the people, the places, the response and the ramifications. When I read scripture I try to set down in the the story as though I am one of the characters in the scene. I try to imagine what it was like to experience these encounters firsthand – Old and New Testament alike.
For the Marys, wondering slowed them down long enough to brush up against angels. Their empty tomb experience was greatly enhanced by their willingness to wonder. Wonder is one of the ways we receive fresh insight.
Remembering:
“He is not here, He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee:” (Luke 24:6 NIV)
“Then they remembered His words…” (Luke 24:8 NIV)
The Marys were instructed by the angels to recall Jesus’ past teaching. They listened and they remembered. And consequently, they were blessed with better understanding. Their comprehension of the events surrounding the empty tomb was strong enough to send them running back to the disciples, afraid but full of joy.
So often, when I am in the world, the Holy Spirit brings to mind past teachings, worship experiences, resolutions and scriptures. If we’ll pay attention, He’ll lead us in remembrance that will ultimately bolster our faint and our obedience. Remembrance helps us connect past understanding with today’s lesson and enhances our understanding of what is happening here and now. Remembering is yet another way we gain fresh understanding. Like the Marys, when we really hear from God, we can’t hardly keep it to ourselves, which might just be the most compelling reason to engage with scripture daily.
Lord, today we are grateful for fresh insight. Thank You for the three ‘ings’ that serve us so well: early rising (prioritizing time with You), wondering (thinking deeply about the things fo God), and remembering (allowing the Holy Spirit to retrieve things from our past). These kings aid us in our discover of fresh insight and therefore renew our delight in You. Thank You! Amen.