December 5

     “With amazement the heavenly messengers beheld the indifference of that people whom God had called to communicate to the world the light of sacred truth. The Jewish nation had been preserved as a witness that Christ was to be born of the seed of Abraham and of David's line; yet they knew not that His coming was now at hand. In the temple the morning and the evening sacrifice daily pointed to the Lamb of God; yet even here was no preparation to receive Him. The priests and teachers of the nation knew not that the greatest event of the ages was about to take place. They rehearsed their meaningless prayers, and performed the rites of worship to be seen by men, but in their strife for riches and worldly honour they were not prepared for the revelation of the Messiah. The same indifference pervaded the land of Israel. Hearts selfish and world-engrossed were untouched by the joy that thrilled all heaven. Only a few were longing to behold the Unseen. To these heaven's embassy was sent.”

    God does not force himself upon anyone, even when they are supposed to be His family. Heaven’s ambassadors only went to those who were prepared – and you’ll be finding out soon who were listening. Talk about an unlikely audience!

     At the same time there are none so deaf as those that will not hear. Imagine you are a priest in that magnificent temple. I’ve seen the stones of the plinth the old temple was built on. Even the plinth is magnificent! You can read the thoughts of the disciples as they try to get Jesus to talk about the temple, 

     “Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings.”

     So the building is magnificent – and the ceremonies that went on inside were a spectacle to behold. Even Roman soldiers serving in the area were impressed. They compared the Jewish religion with their own soldier’s faith and chose to follow the God of the people they were aiming to keep under control.

     It appears that everyone was moved by all that was at the heart of the Jewish faith, except the Jews themselves.

     It is so easy to get accustomed to something and fail to see the meaning of the event. I took time out yesterday to swim. Half-way through 1500m I had cramp in my feet. Talk about pain, (well, pain for a man).  I kept on swimming, I ignored the pain. You can get used to almost anything. You can even ignore God at the heart of your faith.

     It takes courage to re-examine your faith to find out if you are still in the faith and not just going through the motions. Here is your promise for the day, because you are one of those who has examined your faith …

     “The same indifference pervaded the land of Israel. Hearts selfish and world-engrossed were untouched by the joy that thrilled all heaven. Only a few were longing to behold the Unseen. To these heaven's embassy was sent.”