Earlier this week I asked my hubby for us not to exchange store-bought cards. Nor buy flowers. Nor buy any gifts. It's Valentine's Day - why would I do that?! For one thing, neither of us need anything. For another, flowers don't last, and the cards have gotten so expensive that - unless that is something that is important to the one you are giving it to - it is just a card. If I get a card that says something nice, I put it in my treasure box, and that's ok too. However, I suggested we make each other a card and let that be our 'gift' to each other.
My hubby gave me something today that means something to me. He wrote me a letter. And in that letter, he gave me a Blessing. He praised me, and told me how much he valued me. How much he loved me. He gave me his opinion of me. He blessed me.
I don't think Valentine's Day and this "day of love" can get any better than that.
So - because I'm running out of time and it's time to get to work, I want to type out this devotion from my daily reading this morning.
There is no doubt that as Jesus stood trial in front of Pilate, He was completely focused. Matthew 27:12 tells us, "While he was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing." Think about that. As the false accusations were being flung at Him, the Son of God didn't curse the priests and elders as he had the fig tree that didn't bear fruit (see Matthew 21:19). He did not do anything to defend Himself.
He answered nothing.
Hebrews 12:2 helps us understand Christ's mindset, "Jesus, the aurthor and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the same."
Jesus endured it all for the joy set before Him. It was enough to stop Him from answering His accusers. It was sufficient to keep Him focused.
Yet, what was this overwhelming joy? Of course, it was doing the Father's will. However, it was also - you.
Ephesians 5:2 admonishes, "Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us." Galatians 2:20 says, "The Son of God.... loved me and gave Himself for me."
Christ's joy was you.
Think about that as you celebrate St. Valentine's Day. Love is not simply red hearts, bouquets of flowers, and chocolates. True love is unconditional. True love reaches out. True love gives itself sacrificially.
Perhaps you have a special loved one with whom you can celebrate today. Or perhaps today is one of the loneliest days of the year for you. Perhaps you are wondering if anyone is thinking about you. The answer is yes; Jesus is. He's thinking about you today, and He thought about you back then. He thought about you as He stood trial and His love for you kept Him focused on the goal; to reconcile you to God. To show you His love - eternally.
So today, remember that you are Christ's joy - His beloved. And have a very happy Valentine's Day.
Blessings!
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