December 24, Seek Him and He will be Found!

Matthew 2:5-6 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, ” for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’ “ (NIV)

Promise:  God promised to send a ruler that would shepherd the people of Israel and He would be born in Bethlehem.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed: His Sovereignty, Longsuffering, Patience, Eternality, Love, Omnipotent, Ruler, King and Shepherd.

Promise provides me with:  knowledge that God planned Christ’s birth from the beginning of time, Christ is to rule over believer’s lives and be our shepherd, assurance that God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to redeem us.

        These words were spoken by the Wise Men that came seeking the Christ child when they met with Kind Herod.  They had seen His star in the east and knew the ancient prophesies written in the Old Testament about the coming Messiah.  They knew that God was faithful and would keep His promise to deliver the Messiah who would redeem, shepherd and rule over his people.  What about you?  Are you seeking to find Jesus this Christmas?   Is your answer the same as Peter’s in Matthew 16:15-16? “But what about you?” he asked.  “Who do you say I am ?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.”  Do you know why He came?  Titus 3:4-7 puts His reasons for coming this way:  “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”   Can you say with confidence that Jesus is the Christ and that He came to save you?  God promises in James 4:8a “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”   Call on the Lord this Christmas, come near to Him and He will come near to you.

Be wise and seek Him today!

Linda
These photos were taken in the stable/cave in Bethlehem where Jesus was born.  As we gathered in this sacred place we sang ‘Silent Night’.  It was a very moving experience.