Think about it all, all of Christmas. Where is he? The question is asked today even by those of us who believe. “Where are you, Lord?” Then he answers. Don’t doubt God. Don’t doubt the Bible. Doubt the devil. There is one voice form heaven, one voice from the Bible and it speaks to the darkest part of the soul. That voice is God’s. Imagine how empty the world would be without the voice of God.
Matthew 2: 1Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
It was an honest, straight forward question. The wise men saw the star. They were magi, scholars in history, and experts in their time. You can’t believe 99% of experts today. These kings were Gentiles and could have been from one country or separate countries. They all saw a new star in the heavens and knew it was there deliberately. Every civilization saw it because the sign was in the heavens. Only these did anything about it. Others were probably curious or made up stories about it. Angels had appeared to Mary and Joseph earlier and God sent an angelic host to announce the birth to the shepherds. They lit up the darkness. The shepherds paid attention. Not only did they angels tell the shepherds, God invited the whole world with the star.
Throw aside the complications and excuses and realize God wants us to come to him. The same message is sent today. God will use whatever means necessary. He used a donkey and a rooster. Realize in every day a star is shining; the Word is near us each day. God will speak to us. He sent the wind and that’s nothing more than the breath of God.
The shepherds knew Jesus would be in a manger. Imagine how many stables were in Bethlehem. They may have woke many asking where is he. They could have given up and said the angels lied to them. They knew angels don’t lie. They kept on until they found him. You can find Jesus if you seek him in the right direction. The signs are here. Follow them. The shepherds sought him. They were given their answer before they even asked the question. The angel told them they would find him wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. Jesus is still the son of God whether as an infant baby, on the cross, or in the tomb. He’s findable by you and me. Even the most hardened heart can find him when they quit asking in a challenging, critical way. When we ask “where are you” in an accusing way, our sin separates us from God. He didn’t put it there; we did. Jesus would never have suffered and died on the cross if you and I hadn’t sinned.
None of us were laid in a manger and born in a stable. We were not conceived like Jesus. We were born in sin and shaped in iniquity. Jesus was born in the flesh like us but his Father is God. He was born without sin having a human and a divine nature. It’s easy to find Jesus. Everyone was invited but few came.
Let’s not be quiet about the truth. Quit wagging our tongues for the devil and start talking for Jesus. The shepherds told the news all around sharing what they had seen and heard. Are you doing the wrong thing by turning what you know into a question? Have you turned your assurance into doubt and your confidence in God into unbelief? If there is a curtain between you and God, it is there by you. Leave things behind. You can always find an excuse not to pray or read the Bible. They are not reasons. Jesus said to seek him first and all these things would be added unto us.
The wise men packed up their camels. They didn’t know how far they were going. The way to truth is provided showing us where we need to be and ought to be. They kept their eyes on the star. Keep your eyes on Jesus. The most unwanted is the most needed; he is our Savior. Let’s do like the shepherds and wise men. They all were led to Jesus. It took the wise men longer to get there but the star led them to the house. Even though intimidated by Herod they kept on. They were worn out. They looked up and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
Look up and see God. You don’t have to ask the Lord “where are you.” Take the barriers down. Turn everything to God. Don’t turn him away and leave empty. You can know where he is. The Lord is reaching forth his hands to us. Let God guide you and follow his lead.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 