The King is Found

The King is Found

Matthew 2:4 – After assembling all the chief priests and experts in the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 – “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they said, “for it is written this way by the prophet: 6 – ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are in no way least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”

The chief priests and experts in the law found out where Jesus was to be born.  They found the very verse.  Every year we look at the Christmas story, the birthday of Jesus, in the Bible.  Every year we change our playlists and sing the familiar Christmas songs that invoke feelings of nostalgia and a longing to be with family and friends, exchanging gifts and feasting together.  Every year we locate where Jesus was but then look at what happened next in the story.

verse 7 – Then Herod privately summoned the wise men and determined from them when the star had appeared. 8 – He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and look carefully for the child. When you find him, inform me so that I can go and worship him as well.” 9 – After listening to the king they left, and once again the star they saw when it rose led them until it stopped above the place where the child was. 10 – When they saw the star they shouted joyfully.  11 – As they came into the house and saw the child with Mary his mother, they bowed down and worshiped him. They opened their treasure boxes and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Every year we locate where Jesus was – both Herod and the wise men were on the same page.  The wise men saw the star, the chief priests located where Jesus was to be born in the Scriptures.  They were all in possession of the same information – but only one group went further to actually find Jesus.  Herod, feigning interest, refused to go, choosing to have the wise men actually do the work of finding Jesus and then report back.  Let’s return to my previous statement:  Every year we locate where Jesus was – but this year let’s make sure we go and find him.  Don’t let others do the work of finding Him for us.  

Scholars and pastors, our modern day chief priests and law experts, will do a great job of parsing the verses and sharing interesting trivia surrounding the birth of Jesus – but what good is it if we don’t actually go and find Him for ourselves?  Those who are truly wise will go every day to find Him.  Come on!  Let’s go and find Jesus!

When you call out to me and come to me in prayer, I will hear your prayers. When you seek me in prayer and worship, you will find me available to you. if you seek me with all your heart and soul. – Jeremiah 29:12-13.