“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.’ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” Matthew 3:1-3
Devotional Thought For The Day
It is difficult for us to imagine today that emissaries and dignitaries could travel a long distance and suddenly appear in the capital of our nation inquiring about some great cosmic event that had occurred, and our president and leaders knew nothing about it. We have modern communications, and a great “intelligence” network that knows just about everything going on across the globe, and our trade routes are so many and so varied, that no city has such an interminable passage of caravans that we would fail to notice someone important coming into the country. Yet we do have trouble with immigration, and we have many very busy ports and cities, and there are so many “important” stars these days that I suppose it is possible for someone to sneak in unawares and suddenly show up on the Today Show asking about the coming of the Son of God and where He might be found.
In fact, the majority of our population is unaware of the presence, the love, the power, the governance, and the agenda of the most powerful and influential Person on the planet – the One Who was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod. This One suffered and died for the sins of the whole world, establishing a sure, certain, and just peace between God and every human being. This One rose again victorious from death, and promised the same to us, we who face death and fear retribution – so much so that we invent myths about becoming angels or raindrops, and even greater myths about what “good” people we are. Even within the church many would be baffled if someone asked them, “Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews?” And if the inquirers asserted His promises, about being with them always, even to the end of the age, and present wherever two or three are gathered in His Name, or the promise regarding His body and blood in the bread and wine, many even within the church would be utterly puzzled and troubled.
What would you answer if someone were to ask you this day, “Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews?” Do you know? Is He in you, governing Your heart? Do you remember His presence everywhere, and especially within the fellowship of the church? Or have you “spiritualized” all of this so much that you are unaware of where Jesus is today, even when you are gathered with others in His Name to hear His Word and receive His sacramental meal? Sadly, many wouldn’t even be troubled by such a question, wouldn’t even take it seriously, but might begin wondering about what number to call to summon the authorities to investigate whether or not the inquirer might need some form of custodial treatment.
If we do not take Jesus seriously, truly believe His Words and promises, know and believe where He is and where He especially comes to us to instruct us, to cleanse away our sin, and to guide and empower us in the paths of love, then how will anyone else know where He is? If we are not keen and eager to worship Him – in repentance and faith and a life of love – then how will those who are unaware of His advent [His coming] even know that He is here right now to richly bless us, and to insure that we will be with Him forever in the paradise of His heavenly kingdom? We know that there is no need to be troubled about the presence of Jesus, but rather cause for great joy and celebration – for Jesus is here with us and will be with us forever! We are looking forward to the glorious return of His visible presence on the Last Day – as our full redemption draws near. So let’s know where He is, and live in the certainty of His presence and His blessings. Maybe someone will actually come up and ask us, “Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews.” The wise men soon knew; they always do.
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, You have so richly blessed us with Your presence, and with the warmth of Your redeeming love. Forgive us for how lightly we take Your blessing and love, and Your Word. Rekindle within us the wonder of Your coming into the world in our flesh, the wonder of Your gift of salvation. May our lives exude the light of Your love, and may we give quick direction to all who inquire as to where You are today. Amen.