You Are Precious to Jesus

This past Sunday we finished a five week series on Daniel, called "Courage." The last message was about having courage in the spiritual battle. Daniel prayed and fasted for three weeks because most of the Nation of Israel did not care about being set free, going back to the promised land and rebuilding the hope of the world. Therefore, Daniel was heart-broken over this indifferent attitude towards God's mission.

At the end of the three weeks, God showed up in one of the most unique and majestic manners, a Christophany; The always existing, second person of the Trinity, Jesus stood before Daniel.
Daniel couldn't handle this. He was overwhelmed to the point of losing all of his strength and almost his life. An angel picked him up to his hands and knees as he barely had energy, shaking uncontrollably. Jesus said to him, "Daniel, you are precious to me."

How are you doing on the inside right now?
What is the condition of your soul, your heart, your true identity?
Are you hurt and wounded in such a way that you are seeking to avoid your pain with anything else?
Do you need, does your soul need, does the core of who you are need God to say, "You are precious to Me."

The Christmas season, the birthday of Jesus, reminds us that God knows your name. He knows your heart and soul condition. He fully sees and cares about the inner world struggles, challenges, confusion and pain that you are experiencing. Christmas reminds us that Jesus stands next to you and calls you by your name, "(  You  ) are precious to Me."

Can you hear Him?
Can you see Him?

Don't let the holiday cultural customs and expectations distract you. Don't let the distractions you are investing in that cover and medicate your true soul condition prevent you from seeing and hearing Him.

Do you remember when the disciples were caught in that terrifying storm out in the boat without Jesus? As they were fighting for their lives, Jesus walked out towards them. At first, they could not see that it was Jesus, they thought it was a ghost. They almost missed Jesus. They almost missed out on an unforgetable experience with Jesus that marked their lives. They almost let the present problems of the storm that they were in distract them from seeing and experiencing Jesus.

Let's not be too distracted to miss out on seeing and experiencing Jesus this Christmas season. Let's take time to pray and maybe fast. Let's take time to read Daniel 10 and experience what Daniel experienced. Let's take time to focus our heart, soul and mind on Jesus.

If you do, can you hear Him? He is saying, "You are precious to Me."

Seeking to experience a precious Christmas season,
Pastor Chris