Journey Towards Jesus
Monday, December 25
Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV)
"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, '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.'"
Devotion
The journey of the Magi speaks to us about the unforeseen paths God sometimes leads us on. These wise men embarked on a quest seeking a king, anticipating regal surroundings and grandeur. But their pursuit, marked by a star, concluded in the humblest of places—a stable in Bethlehem.
Imagine the Magi's surprise as they arrived at the stable, not a palace. They found the King of Kings amidst simplicity and humility. In that unexpected encounter, their expectations transformed into awe and reverence.
Have there been moments in your life when your pursuit of God led you down unexpected paths? Think back over 2023 or even further back. Was there a time you anticipated a "star"—something magnificent and dazzling—but found yourself in a "stable"—a place of simplicity and humility? How did those experiences shape your understanding of God?
These unforeseen encounters often challenge our preconceptions, prompting us to reevaluate our understanding of what it means to walk with God. They remind us that God's ways are beyond our comprehension, often found in the most unassuming places.
Let's remain open to encountering God in unforeseen spaces. It's often in the 'stable'—the most humble of places—that we discover profound revelations. Like the Magi, let's remain steadfast in our pursuit of God, even when it leads us into the unexpected. For it is in those moments that we might encounter the true essence of the King we seek.
As we step into the new year, let's carry the understanding that even in life's stable moments, we often discover the most profound revelations about God. Embracing these revelations can deepen our trust in Him and enrich our faith.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Jesus and the opportunity we have to seek him and find him when we seek him with all our heart. Help us be like the wise men who were willing to look for Jesus in unexpected places. Help us to be like the wise men offering all of our best treasures to our king. And just like You kept the wise men from harm and out of Herod's clutches, keep us from harm also when evil people want to separate us from Jesus. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen
Apply It Today
Are you somewhere between where you used to be and where you believe God has called you, or even promised you? Rather than wanting to skip to the fulfillment of a promise as you envisioned it, look for God in your present circumstances and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Like the wise men, continue to worship God in the unexpected.
Resources:
- If you missed yesterday’s Christmas Eve Service, watch it here; "Follow the Star", and be encouraged to follow Jesus, even in the hardest of times.
- Wise men still seek him. Join a connect group and grow in your walk with the Lord - Connect Groups