God has a way of interrupting—unexpectedly. He comes without warning with something to get your attention.
The shepherds outside of Bethlehem experienced that phenomenon. It was dark. Shortly after sunset, there were angels all over the place, grabbing their attention. The shepherds received news that the Messiah had arrived. He’s lying in a feeding trough at nearby Bethlehem.
They went to satisfy their curiosity and found the baby, parents, and animals in the inn’s barn.
The astrologers were stargazing when a bright new star appeared in the sky. Unusual to say the least. Saying, “Follow me, and I’ll show you the Christ child.” Their journey took some time. Upon arrival, they asked the local governor, “Where is the King of the Jews?” The governor had no clue. He told the local religious scholars. They replied Bethlehem. The stargazers found the new child king. They worshiped Him and left gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). The gold would finance the Lord’s way to Egypt. The frankincense reminds us of the sweet smell of His earthly ministry; the myrrh would momentarily erase the smell of death.
Life has interruptions. Some good. Some not so good. Some unwanted. But what we do with interventions is up to us. The shepherds could have said, “I’m tired, or sleepy.” Maybe, they thought they would do it tomorrow. The shepherds couldn’t wait and chose to investigate, and as a result, their curiosity became a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
The Wise Men (Matthew 2:1) started their journey to see the reason for the new star. They followed the radiant star until it rested over the King of Kings.
Whenever our Lord gets your attention, He has a purpose. Actually, a privilege for you. It’s to see, to do, to help, or to keep someone safe. It’s an errand that’s deeply gratifying and rewarding. All it takes from you is your consent to be obedient. The question arises, what will you do now, or will you wait?
FYI: I usually write blogs in the afternoon. This one came late at night. I was ready for bed. Suddenly, the words came, as if to say, “do it now,” and I did in record time. When God gets your attention, do it!
