The How of the Message: The Gospel must be Sought After

Scripture: Matthew 2:8-10

And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him." After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

Insights: Today’s verses reveal another aspect of the magi’s message.  Notice they had seen the Christ Child’s star in the east and began their journey to Bethlehem. In other words, they sought after the Lord Jesus.  Now, I know it is true that no one seeks after the Lord.  He must be the One to draw on the hearts of men. After He begins the drawing process, however, it is man’s responsibility to search for Him.  Isaiah wrote it this way, “Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near (55:6).”  The process begins with the Father and He is constantly drawing on our hearts.  We have the choice to pursue Him or our own agendas.  An obedient child of the King will pursue hard after Jesus.  Beloved, as we enter into this New Year, let us seek the Lord with all of our hearts, soul, mind and strength.  He is near and desires for us to call unto Him.  One of the ways we can draw near to Him and search for Him is through reading the Bible.  As you know we at FBCBG are reading through the Bible in a year in 2014.  If for some reason you fall behind, don’t worry.  Just pick up on whatever day we presently are reading and on those days you have a little extra time, then you can go back and get caught up.  The objective is to have a consistent daily quiet time with the Lord.

Questions:

1. Is the Lord drawing on your heart?
2. Is there anything in your life preventing you from seeking after Him with all of who you are?

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your gift of salvation.  I pray that all who do not have a relationship with You will seek You while You may be found.  Let them call on You as their Lord and Savior.  Amen.