NorthStar Community Daily Devotional

Day 337 – Pay Attention

Scripture focus: When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified—and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, "Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?" They told him, "Bethlehem, Judah territory. The prophet Micah wrote it plainly: It's you, Bethlehem, in Judah's land, no longer bringing up the rear. From you will come the leader who will shepherd-rule my people, my Israel." Matthew 2:3-6 The Message

How did these scholars know where to look for the newborn Messiah? Someone was paying attention! And we can too. I know scripture study isn’t one of the coolest or sexiest things you can do with your time – but it is the best travel guide I have ever perused. As a big fan of school supplies, I’ve discovered that bookstores have a plethora of resources to help us digest God’s word.

When we set our course on the path of trying to get our own way all the time – like Herod and most of Jerusalem – we will feel anxious. After all, the outcome is all up to us. Can we control and manipulate, cajole and convince others to buy into our plans and projections? It’s all up to us. The entire journey is dependent upon our abilities to get others to embrace our compulsion to get our own way all the time. Here’s where we need to pause and check our road map. How effective is this strategy? Think about it. Herod wasn’t alone in wanting his own way all the time – and neither are we! Others want the same. Soon, we’re jostling along a crowded highway, jockeying for position – asking others to give us our way – and they’re demanding the same of us too. What a mess! This travel plan looks like interstate 95 on December 23rd!

There is, however, another road – a road less traveled. This road is spacious and wide. The only sojourners are those who make the decision to live life God’s way. The pressure if off! This journey is all dependent upon God. He picks the route and selects the restaurants and hotel accommodations. If things go poorly – what is it to us? This journey is all up to God. We’re along for the ride – given responsibilities – but not responsible for the results. That sounds like a sweet deal!

This road is spacious and wide – but also lightly traveled. We won’t be able to just enter onto the highway and follow the crowd. There is no crowd on this road! We’ll have to utilize other resources – and one of them will include the study of scripture. It’s through God’s word that God reveals himself, his purposes, and his plans for us. Maybe you’ve tried this travel guide, and found it confusing. No worries! In 2009, we’re going to help unpack it for you. We’ll continue our daily devotionals – think of them as cliff notes! We’re going to spend an entire year thinking about what it means and how we actually accomplish recovering our life.

It’ll definitely be the road less traveled – but I think you’ll love the view! 2008 is almost at a close. This year is gone, let it slip away gently. But while you’re thinking about how you spent – or misspent your time – I pray you’ll look ahead to a new year with eager anticipation. Consider the road less traveled…

Recommended reading: Daniel 11 and Psalm 115 in the morning; 1 John 3 and Psalm 116 in the evening