Seeking Jesus
Scripture Reading — Matthew 2:1-11
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
—Matthew 2:2
Many people in Judea were aware that the prophets had spoken of a Messiah who would come and set things right. They eagerly anticipated the wonderful things this Messiah would do for God’s people. But, ironically, most of them missed the arrival of Jesus.
But far to the east there were Magi, scholars who studied the stars, and they noticed something new shining in the heavens. They weren’t aware of prophecies about a Messiah. They did not have the assumption that this promised Messiah would bring salvation for God’s people. To these scholars, a sign in the heavens meant something important, like the arrival of a new king, so they came with inquiring minds to see what God might be doing.
Isn’t it ironic that we can think we have every intention to seek God, and we miss what he is doing? We pray for healing but might not recognize healing that has already occurred. We ask for prosperity without pausing to give thanks for the ways God has already provided.
The good news of Jesus is too magnificent to be contained, yet it can still be missed. But when we are open to seeing what God is doing, the wonder of his acts can move us from being far away from his presence to approaching him with sincere worship.
Father in heaven, keep me from having such a narrow view of your saving grace that I miss the wonderful things you are doing. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Bill Sytsma
Bill Sytsma is a graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary (M.Div) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (D.Min). He is the author of the book Follow the Leader and is serving as the pastor of New Life Christian Reformed Church in Highland, Indiana. He and his wife, Staci, have hosted support groups for families built through adoption. He and Staci are the proud parents of three active boys: Luke, Isaac, and Nico.
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