I read a verse in my devotions this morning that I have read a million times, but today I saw it differently. Matthew Chapter 2 talks about Herod finding out that a baby had been born. Herod’s first reaction was to call together the scholars and leaders of religion to find out more about this baby. Their response...
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’” Matthew 2:5-6
Herod wanted knowledge from those who knew best, and those who knew best consulted what was written in the past by the prophet Micah. I don’t know about you, but my first response is not typically to look into the past for knowledge regarding the future.
No, I am not a Millennial, but I am of the age where I like and welcome change. I hate the idea of doing things a certain way because we have always done it that way. I think that fear of staying stuck in the past makes me reluctant to consult the past. But we can learn so much from the past.
I can look back and see mistakes that were made, lessons that were learned. Often those were painful times that I would like to forget but times that I needed in order to shape me.
By reflecting on my past, I am reminded of how God has been faithful to me. How He has seen me through times I didn’t think I would endure. How He continues to promise that He will uplift and sustain me.
How I wish my first reaction is to look back. Instead I google, gossip, complain, overindulge and make unhealthy choices.
My prayer for you, and for me, is that in the coming weeks as stress and decisions challenge us, that we would look back…look back on the ways that God has been faithful, look back on the guidance He has given to those around us. Look back and reflect on His faithfulness. Then step forward with the wisdom we have gained through our reflections.
