(Jesus said) "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" Matthew 7:11

Serendipity.

This month our weekend devotions are going to talk about matters dealing with serendipity. And in case you're wondering just what serendipity is, I can tell you. Serendipity is looking for one thing and finding something better.

Here's a couple of examples:

• Serendipity is looking for your shopping list and finding a $50 bill.

• Serendipity is searching for your eyeglasses and realizing your vision has changed and you no longer need those specs.

• Serendipity is having the policeman pull you over to the side of the road and hearing him say, "I stopped you so I could let you know what a fine driver you are."

If the word seems strange to you, let me share this: in the year 2000 the British Broadcasting Company said "serendipity" was England's favorite word. To achieve that status, serendipity beat out other meaning-filled words like "love," "peace," "hope," "faith," "money," "family" and "Jesus."

Now I don't know about that last one. To me, Jesus is serendipity. In that feeling I'm not alone.

• The magi went looking for an earthly king and found a Savior. Serendipity.

• The lepers called for mercy, and they received a healing touch. Serendipity.

• Troubled souls went to hear Jesus speak and received forgiveness. Serendipity.

• Some women went to a tomb to finish a burial and they encountered a living Redeemer. Serendipity.

And us? We who were in darkness -- who had no way out, who deserved only punishment and penalty -- have been brought into the light of the living Lord. Through Jesus we have been shown the path to heaven, and we have received forgiveness for all we have done wrong.

No, it is impossible for us to go to the manger, the cross, the tomb, and not see in the Person of Jesus the Father's great, good gift of grace.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, in the Person of Jesus we hopeless souls have been given a new future, a new life, a new ending. We deserved none of these things, but because of His sacrifice we enjoy them. May we continue to give thanks for Jesus Christ who is the best good news of all. In the Redeemer's Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 123-125    2 Thessalonians 3

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