ENTER IN
Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed. (John 20:8)
This week, I listened my way through the book of John with “Through the Word.” It is a wonderful app worth checking out! I was bingeing on the plan. First, I was catching up and then running ahead. I was listening and learning and probably fading at times.
When I finished, I confessed to the Lord that I felt like I had listened more than I had participated. Have you ever noticed or caught yourself not listening or listening and not participating. Has anyone ever said, you are not listening to me or pay attention now!
In this world, you will have distractions! I think of the young man who dozed off and fell out the window. Fortunately, Paul just used the opportunity to reveal Christ and teach through the night. I sometimes catch my wandering mind and make it listen again and find what I missed. Other times, I probably doze off and fall out the window.
I love how John says that he outran Peter. He won the race, but Peter took the prize and went right in. Then John joined him, and he believed. At this point, they still did not know anything beyond the fact that He was gone. Mary, who had first come to them with the news that Jesus was missing, lingered a little longer and she talked to Jesus. She filled them in on the rest of the story. She stayed until she knew.
I write myself notes about things and oftentimes it is later when I understand what I wrote about. After I do understand, it only makes me realize that there is a lot more I need to know. It is like when Jesus was speaking to the woman at the well and He told her, “If you only knew who you were talking to!”
When we pray, we are talking to the King of Kings. Participation should be our goal. We should be focused. I think that we could all be found guilty of being most focused when we are trying to get our needs met! We do this, even while knowing that we have a promise from God that if we will seek Him first and His righteousness, He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.
Oh, I am so thankful that God puts up with us when we grow slow! Lord, we come into your presence with thanksgiving in our hearts and we praise you. Then we think of something else that needs to be done. Then we remember what we are doing, and we work our way back to you, only to think of something else we need to do. Remember, John ran ahead, but Peter ran in. John did not leave; he went in, and he believed.
Keep running to Jesus. Pop your head in and say hello. Let Him be your main distraction until He becomes the main attraction. He is risen. He is alive. Praise the Lord. Yes, praise the Lord!