*written by Tina Kinney
“And all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.” Luke 21:38
Sometimes as I read scriptures, I have the mindset that these people’s lives were so different than my present modern day life. I think, “How blessed. They got to hear Jesus in their uncluttered, uneventful lives.” But today I was struck by the words, all, early and hear.
I’m not an early riser, so it doesn’t appeal to me to get up early. But, I do rise early for things I see as important. I’ll set my alarm for the wee hours of the morning for vacation, to attend a sale, or stand in line for tickets to a concert, football game or new movie. I’ll brave the cold, heat, crowds, even put aside my schedule and chores to plan and anticipate. But do I/we see it as important or necessary to rise early to meet Jesus and hear Him speak through His Word, alone or with other believers? These people did.
I asked my oldest grandchildren what spoke to them in this verse. Through them, I heard wisdom beyond their years, and knew the Lord wanted me to listen. They said the people probably went out of curiosity, anxious to hear Jesus and his new message. They wondered what they risked and sacrificed with their work, home and safety while there. They said we have it too comfortable in our churches today, with so many choices, service times, heating and air, and great music. Also, we go out of habit, to see our friends and go to the activities. We don’t hunger and thirst to hear Jesus’ teachings like they all did.
In this Holy Week, can we seek to renew our commitment to hearing our Lord? Let us all pray that we follow the example of these early believers and approach time with our Lord with priority and anticipation to hear Him. And, let’s pray we will all see that gathering with fellow believers is a vital, necessary time to hear Jesus, through our worship, fellowship and the Word. Be blessed!