Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Jeremiah 12:1–14:10 | 1 Thessalonians 1:1–2:8 | Psalm 79:1–13 | Proverbs 24:30–34

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Jesus the Good Shepherd

Have you ever loved someone who was far from God and wished you could somehow make them see what you see? You know the peace you’ve found in Jesus. You know His love, His goodness, and the difference His presence has made in your life. You desperately want that for them too, but no matter how much you love them, you can’t choose Jesus for them.

I think that’s why today’s Gem touched my heart so deeply:

“I don’t want to lose even one. Come to me, and I will come to you and draw you into my fold. Amen.”

Those words reveal the heart of God. He isn’t looking for reasons to keep people out. He wants them to come in. He desires the wandering, the broken, the rebellious, the doubtful, and the lost to turn toward Him and discover that He has been wanting them all along.

Jesus expressed this same heart when He spoke about a shepherd leaving ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that wandered away. He explained, “In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish” (Matthew 18:14 NLT).

He doesn’t want to lose even one.

But today’s Gem also contains an invitation: “Come to me.” God desires us, but He doesn’t force us into relationship with Him. There is a response on our part. We turn toward Him, and He draws us closer.

Today’s reading in Jeremiah shows us what happens when people repeatedly choose the opposite direction. God says, “My people have abandoned me and turned their backs on me” (Jeremiah 13:10 NLT). Again and again He called them back, but they continued wandering farther away.

That should remind us how important it is to respond when we feel Him drawing us.

Sometimes that drawing begins quietly. A conversation makes us think about God. A Scripture suddenly feels personal. Someone’s testimony stirs something inside us. We feel an unexplained desire to pray, open a Bible, attend church, or simply say, God, if You’re there, I want to know You.

Don’t ignore those moments.

They may be the Shepherd calling you closer.

And for those of us who already know Jesus, today’s reading in 1 Thessalonians reminds us that we have a part in helping others recognize His voice. Paul said, “We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too” (1 Thessalonians 2:8 NLT).

I love that. Paul didn’t simply preach at people. He loved them. He shared truth, but he also shared his life.

That’s something we can all do.

We cannot drag someone into God’s fold, argue them into believing, or force them to surrender. But we can love them. We can pray for them. We can share what God has done in our lives and live in a way that helps them see what following Jesus looks like.

And then we trust the Shepherd to do what only He can do.

Maybe you’re worried about someone today who seems far from God. Don’t give up on them. Keep praying. Keep loving. Keep living your faith before them.

And if you’re the one who has wandered, hear the heart of God in today’s Gem.

He doesn’t want to lose you.

Come to Him.

The Shepherd is still calling, and there is still room in His fold.

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take 5 minutes to be with the Lord today. Ask Him:

• “Lord, what do You want me to know about this personally?”
  • Journal what He gives you through His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He reveals – then do it!

Take a moment today to consider your relationship with Jesus. Have you been drawing closer to Him, or have you slowly wandered away in some area? Respond to His invitation today. Come to Him. Spend time in His presence, talk honestly with Him, and allow your Shepherd to draw you closer into His fold.

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Prayer

Beloved Father, thank You that Your heart is for every person to come to You. Help me never give up praying for those who seem far away. Teach me to share Your truth with love and to live in a way that helps others recognize Your goodness. And whenever I begin to wander, help me hear Your voice calling me back. Draw us close to You and safely into Your fold. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.