*2013 National Indie Excellence Award Finalist*
Encounters
Luke 2:51 (The
Message)
His mother held these things dearly, deep within herself.
In this scripture, Mary is described as soaking in all that
she has heard and seen as she journeys with Joseph and Jesus through God’s plan.
She has encountered an angel, interacted with shepherds, and seen wise men
kneel before her as she held her small son Jesus. She has encountered Simeon
and Anna in the temple and heard their blessings and prophetic declarations
about identity and destiny. She has watched and listened to it all. She has
soaked it in and kept it all deep within her heart. She would need it all in
coming years, when her son would be beaten and crucified, and the hopeful future
she had expected would seem dead.
In this life, we are invited to have encounters with God. There
is great wisdom in treasuring these encounters and being a good steward of them
in our hearts and minds by writing them down and calling them to mind. Each
encounter is a gift to us. We should treat them all as treasures, golden and
shining jewels. When God sees that you can receive an encounter, word, or
promise and be able to steward it, He sees that you can steward more. Can we
hold on to a word or promise for years and years, even when our circumstances
seem the opposite? Are we able to hold on, steward, and treasure things deep in
our hearts? Mary knew the importance of holding on to treasures and not letting
them drop to the floor when “normal” life returns.
1. What has God given you that you have been able to steward
for years, deep in your heart?
2. Have you had encounters with God, received words of
encouragement, or had experiences that need to be resurrected in your heart and
mind? How can you bring them to mind again and carry them in your heart today?
