Nougat 18

To what extent do we truly listen? Do we consciously attempt to hear every single word, or do we listen for what suits us best? Or is it a bit of both, depending on the context? What exactly jumps up at you in today’s Holy Nougat?

“So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.” But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭11:3-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Perhaps because I think I know the story many things are jumping up at me. And since this is neither a personality test nor a for credit course, I do believe that is fine. But for the sake of this reflection, let’s prayerfully reread the nougat. This time, write whatever comes to your mind from the nougat.

Sit with the first concept, asking yourself what is it about the portion of the nougat that caused a jump. Write this down too (and feel free to share with us/me). Now if you have not already done so, pray for wisdom and clarity as you unpack why that nibble from the nougat gave you pause. Sit with this for a moment, while ferreting out the distractions that may come.

Has God spoken to your heart in this process? Feel free to ask God to do just that right now.

I will do a brief sample for you

I will use the first two things as my example:

1) the two sisters sent a message

2) your dear friend is very sick

I suspect the sisters initially impacted me because I have mostly sisters and one celebrated her birthday yesterday.

But it also registered that the two sisters sent messengers they didn’t go in person. It gave further pause, and I think that’s why the message to Jesus struck me: It suggests that Lazarus was so sick that neither was willing/able to leave his side. Not even to go find Jesus.

On the heels of this thought though are two thoughts

A – how often are we prioritizing other things or people instead of searching Jesus out.

B – but we have the benefit of praying to Jesus; no need for searching Him out.

As ‘B’ lingers, I am now basking in the knowledge that no matter what, I have access to God, through God’s Spirit and because of Jesus Christ. And the best thing is – even as I bask, you can too. For Jesus’ accessibility is for anyone who calls upon His name.

You are welcome to share your insights … and/or to bask in the insights I received.

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May all we seek be found in Christ