If Only You Had Known

Today's Reading: 
Exodus 26:1-27:21
Luke 19:28-48
Psalm 23:1-6 
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Focus Verses: Luke 19:41-44
41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."

Insight:
Peace is often forfeited because the source of peace is not recognized. Suffering is often not averted because the presence and power of God is not acknowledged.

Response and Action:
I need to open my eyes to the realities of life. I need to give careful consideration to the possibilities that are available to me through Christ. Jesus claimed to be the one who could show me the Father, lead me into truth, bring me safely through hardship, and give me eternal life. If he is who he claimed to be, it would be costly and sad to ignore or deny him.

O Lord, what peace am I missing today because I am failing to recognize you as the source of peace? What hardships will I have to face in the future if I fail to acknowledge your presence with me today? Help me to know your peace and to practice your presence today. I acknowledge Jesus as the source of peace—Immanuel, God with us. Grant me the grace to recognize your presence, your guidance, and your power to save. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Proverbs: 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Resources:
The Incomparable Christ
by John R. W. Stott