Consider the ravens: They don’t sow or reap; they don’t have a storeroom or barn, yet God feeds them. Consider how the wildflowers grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet, I tell you not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! Luke 12: 24, 27
Therefore, holy brothers and sisters in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus…
Hebrews 3:1
My words…
Praise
On my visit to the Grand Canyon, I spent nearly three days considering that stunning hole in the ground. I stared at it. I hiked it. I studied it. I wondered about it. I marveled at it. I gave it three days of serious consideration under no one’s instruction, just my own recognition of its majesty.
You have instructed me to consider other things: birds and flowers. Why? Because I learn from them. And so I have after years of bird watching and flower gazing. Without Your instruction, I would not grasp the depth of Your care for me. Consideration yields understanding. So, when the writer of Hebrews instructs me to consider You, the creator of canyons and birds and flowers, I step into a temple space, a holy realm of contemplation, worship, and adoration. I stare at You. I study You. I wonder about You, and I marvel at You. When I come away, I come away more whole. Is there such a thing? Only in You.
Prayer for me
At the start of this new year, I pray I will seek to consider You more deeply in our set-aside holy time and not take for granted the moments we share. I want to know You more. Guide me to that place.
Forgive me
Part of considering You is Your desire for me to consider others. You emptied Yourself for others to show me how it’s done. But I’m selfish. Forgive me when I just don’t feel like it.
Prayer for others
Lord, I pray for Your church, Your followers who meet as a temple of believers. It’s a misunderstood body within my society – misrepresented and unfairly criticized. Satan rubs his hands together as his seeds of religious hypocrisy, hostility, and discrimination take root in the minds of those seeking justification for their unbelief. Cleanse the temple again in the hearts of those who view it through Satan’s lens. Lead them to the truth.
More praise
When I see the rise of hate acted out in the streets, I won’t despair. I will consider You. When I hear of an injustice which leads me to question Your love and care, I won’t waver. I’ll consider You. When the answer to my prayer is so long in coming, I won’t lose faith. I will consider You. And all the while I’m considering You, You are considering me more.
