December 28. Prize Present Blessings
J.R. Miller teaches that true appreciation of God's blessings often comes only when they begin to fade or vanish, urging believers to cherish them while they still have them.
In 'December 28. Prize Present Blessings,' J.R. Miller reflects on the human tendency to overlook blessings until they are lost. Drawing from Luke 24:31, he encourages believers to cultivate gratitude and cherish their health, privileges, homes, and relationships before they vanish. This devotional sermon invites listeners to live with greater spiritual awareness and appreciation for God's daily gifts.
Text
"Their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight." Luke 24:31
All along the way, Jesus had walked with these disciples, pouring the warmth of His spirit upon them; but they did not recognize Him — until the moment of His vanishing out of their sight. It is the same with us, and many of our best blessings. We do not recognize them — until they are taking their flight. We do not prize health — until it is broken. Our common privileges we do not value — until something deprives us of them. Our homes appear old-fashioned — until we are thrown homeless upon the world.
It is the same with our friends. We do not see the beauties of their character, not perceive their real worth — until in some way we have lost them. This is specially true of the friends who are nearest to us in our own households. They seem to us commonplace, because they are always moving before us. Their help is so perpetual, and their ministry is so unbroken — that we do not learn their value to us. But some day, one of these friends vanishes out of our sight. The familiar form is seen no more. The voice of tender love is heard no more. The quiet, gentle ministry ceases. Tomorrow we miss the friend; then in the vanishing — we learn what he was to us.
Should we not get a lesson here? Shall we not try to prize our blessings — while we have them? The vacant chair should not be the first revealer of a loving friend.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Jesus walks with the disciples unrecognized
- Blessings often go unnoticed until they vanish
- The moment of loss reveals true value
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II
- Health and privileges are undervalued until lost
- Homes and familiar comforts are taken for granted
- Loss brings clarity to what was once overlooked
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III
- Friends’ true worth often unrecognized in daily life
- The absence of loved ones reveals their importance
- We should cherish relationships before they are gone
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IV
- The vacant chair teaches a vital lesson
- Encouragement to prize blessings while present
- Living with awareness and gratitude daily
Key Quotes
“Their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.” — J.R. Miller
“We do not recognize them — until they are taking their flight.” — J.R. Miller
“The vacant chair should not be the first revealer of a loving friend.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Practice daily gratitude to recognize and value your blessings.
- Cherish your relationships and express love before it is too late.
- Be spiritually aware of God's presence in everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main lesson from the sermon?
The sermon teaches that we often fail to appreciate our blessings until they are gone, so we should cherish them while we have them.
Why does J.R. Miller use the example of Jesus vanishing from the disciples’ sight?
He uses it to illustrate how blessings and presence can be overlooked until their absence reveals their true value.
How does the sermon suggest we view our relationships?
It encourages us to recognize and value the people close to us before they are no longer with us.
What practical advice does the sermon offer?
To cultivate gratitude and awareness daily so that we do not take our blessings for granted.