The Jesus who is the one whom we search for even when we do not know that we are searching and hide from even when we do not know we are hiding.
Frederick Buechner
The life story of Nabeel Qureshi is a good example of a man who was searching other gods and found Jesus. In his book “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus”, Nabeel explained how his search led him to Jesus. He said, “I left Islam because I studied Muhammad’s life. I accepted the Gospel because I studied Jesus’ life.”
In our different lives, we are in a constant search for something or someone. I, for one, was in a search of a place where I can practice my career. And then I found Canada. Others are looking for happiness and finding it in unlikely places and persons.
What are you searching for? Are you searching for the true and everlasting happiness?
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Book of Matthew 2. Please, read our recent Christmas devotionals:
- Book of Malachi: For We Have Seen A Great Light
- Books of Micah 1-3 & Revelation 11: Rejoice! For To Us The King Has Born
- Book of Luke 2:20-38: Jesus Is The Hope Of The World
History to Understand God’s Word
Did you know that, although there were three gifts presented to Jesus by the Magi, their exact number and names were not stated on the Bible? Growing up, my teachers taught me in school that there were kings who visited the child Jesus in the stable. I was told that the three kings were Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar.
In the book of Matthew, we can see that it was not three kings who visited Jesus but were wise men or Magi from the east. They considered Magi as wise men, magicians or astrologers. Another correction, these Magi did not arrive while Jesus’ family were in the stable. They arrived days after when Jesus, Mary and Joseph were already in a house and not the stable.
Genuine Search for Jesus Christ
The Magi were in a quest to find the King of the Jews as stated in verse 2, “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”
A star from the east led them to Jerusalem. When they have arrived, they have inquired the whereabouts of the child prophesied to be the King of the Jews. Herod the Great who was the king of Jerusalem felt threatened and troubled. He then told the wise men to let him know once they find that child so he can also visit and worship Him.
The Magi resumed their search and when they saw the star again they rejoiced with great joy (v. 10). These people were pagans, but their search for the child Jesus was genuine that God led them by a star to where Jesus was.
As what Jeremiah wrote, You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart (Ch. 29:13). God hears our prayers, especially when we ask Him to help us see His ways.
Malicious Search for Jesus Christ
After hearing the inquiry of the wise men, Herod was troubled and threatened that someone will take his kingdom away from him. And because of this, he met with the Magi and told them a lie. He told them to report to him once they find the child so he too can worship Him (v. 8).
God, knowing the evil thoughts that are in Herod’s mind and heart, warned the Magi through a dream not to return to Herod (v. 12). God’s protection on the infant Jesus did not stop there. He sent one of His angels to warn Joseph to flee to Egypt until God commands them to come back to Jerusalem (v. 13)
Herod’s evil thinking led to a slaughter of male children under two years old in Bethlehem, basing on the timeframe he got from the wise men (v. 16). His works were of course influenced by the devil, for he knew that a child will be born to crush him on his head (Genesis 3:15).
In the book of Proverbs it was written, The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but gracious words are pure (Ch. 15:26). Herod’s thought was wicked, and God was not pleased with Him.
No Concerns to Search for Jesus Christ
I am worried for those people who do not think or know that they have to seek Jesus in their life. These are those who are so focused on their worldly life that is eternal life does not concern them.
I feel sad but do not lose hope that they will start searching for Christ. So if you are reading this devotional and think you are in this category, start asking yourself what is missing in your life? Despite all the luxuries you may have, do you feel incomplete?
(Please visit the Weekly Insight on Feeling Empty? To know how to make your life complete.)
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- How do you seek Jesus in your life?
- What are your motives in seeking Jesus?
- Do you seek Jesus just to prove that He does not exist?
- Do you seek Him to find the truth?
- What are you waiting for before you seek Christ? Accept Jesus Now
Prayer
Almighty Father, holy be your name. We praise and glorify You for Your infinite goodness. Thank You for sending Jesus, Your only begotten Son, to save us from our sins.
We remember His birth, the start of Your saving grace not only for the Jews but for the entire world. May the Holy Spirit touch each of our hearts to hear and understand the Good News – who is Jesus.
All these we pray in the saving name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
