The Slow Drift - Day 102 Month 4-12 Week 15-4

Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)


Numbers 15:14-41 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2015%3A14-41&version=NASB1995

Psalm 81 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2081&version=NASB1995

Jeremiah 3:11-25 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%203%3A11-25&version=NASB1995

Luke 13:1-21 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2013%3A1-21&version=NASB1995


The Slow Drift


1. As we learned in our Jeremiah reading today, God is calling Israel back to himself. Israel had long ago rebelled against God but in verse 12 God is saying, “return faithless Israel, declares the LORD; I will not look upon you in anger. For I am gracious.” 


I have drifted often. It’s never been intentional or in rebellion. It’s generally a slow drift. Sometimes it’s been busy-ness and sometimes it’s just “when I get back from picking up a few things.” Slowly more and more things get in the way and then I’m not reading, I’m not praying and I’ve created distance. 


God is always inviting me back. God is always drawing all of us back to Himself whether you are a Jesus follower or not.  God asks His people to acknowledge where they’ve gone wrong, not to condemn them, but to restore them. God wants to bring us back from self-focused living to a life centered on Him.

2. In Luke 13, Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree. A man (God) looks for fruit on his tree (people of Israel)  but finds none. Instead of cutting it down immediately, he gives it more time and care (Jesus sent to guide them back) hoping it will still produce fruit.

The picture is clear. God is patient. He gives lots of opportunities. He reaches out to people back again and again. But the expectation remains, there should be fruit. A response. A changed life.  There’s something important here. We don’t have endless time to respond. It’s easy to delay, to say “later,” but eventually that opportunity passes.

At the same time, the parable reminds us that God is not distant or indifferent. He is actively working, nurturing, and drawing people toward Himself. My own life reflects that. I still drift occasionally. When I drift, He gently brings me back.

Have a great Day

Steve

steve.d.pauls@gmail.com 


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