Redeeming the Time
"Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. There was such a CROWD that THEY COULD NOT GET TO HIM." (Luke 8:19 ICB).
These were the closest people to Jesus for the first 30 years of His life. They had such an unlimited access to the messiah. All Mary needed to do was to call him by name and he would run to her room. They ate together, laughed together, and wept together. If there were any queries in her heart, this was the best time to pour it out.
But alas, a time came when they could not get to him! She really desired (vs 20) to meet with him. The urgency in their voices was palpable. Even those nearby could feel it. But there was a CROWD. A legitimate CROWD!
Something had created a space between them and their Lord. It was neither sin nor immorality, but a CROWD. And life always presents us with many legitimate 'crowds'. Necessary circumstances that will not let us get to him. But unlike sin, there is little we can do about these crowds for they must needs be.
It may be the demands of marriage, frequently soiled diapers, restless and boisterous "heritages of God", tight work deadlines, visiting and caring for aged and ill parents, constant work travels, stress-inducing road traffic etc. These things must needs be. But the question is what are you doing with the "first free 30 years" you have with Jesus?
Now you can go on retreats. You can fast as you will and wish. You can attend conferences. You can shut down everything to meet with Him. You have such free access with Him now. You're not yet that busy. Redeem the time. Maximise the oppurtunities! Don't spend it on seasonal movies or godless chatter. Don't spend it on trivials that have no eternal weight.
Like Mary and her children, if you don't maximise His availability well, you may desire Him but the 'necessary crowds' will keep Him away from you. He will still be where He is, but the 'crowds' would have shut you out.
Use this free time well. Drink from the Fountain head till you're drunk. Till you stagger from His fulness, like one being blown by the wind wherever it listeth. That's what it means to be born again.
Bless you.