Star of Wonder

You will seek him and find him when you seek him with your whole heart. Deuteronomy 4:29

As opposed to…

 

When you seek Him in your free time or as an afterthought.

When you seek Him as a LAST resort.

When you “seek Him” by hoping He’ll be stumbled upon… while doing what YOU always do.

When you seek Him by continuing to be places He would NEVER be found.

When you seek Him in the ways that are the LEAST costly and MOST comfortable.

 

The wise men weren’t the only ones to see the star. They were just the ones WILLING TO FOLLOW IT.

 

At great cost, at great risk, requiring the full effort they had and attention they could give.

Leaving. Going. Planning. Staying the course. Persisting through defeat, pressing on in tenacity. FAITHFUL. FAITH-FILLED.

 

Finding the Savior became not just their primary mission, but their ONLY mission.

They had only scrolls, whispers and a star.  And STILL FOUND HIM. The shepherds had EVEN LESS.  And, found Him too.  Remember that, when you wonder how important mere courage and obedience are… THE SHEPHERDS FOUND HIM, TOO. How that comforts me today as I fall squarely into the “unlearned” category of life.

 

Obedience is sufficient to find the King—who has come all this way TO FIND YOU.

 

We have His name, address, biography, teachings, words, symbols, letters from His friends AND millions of His followers walking around. AND WE ARE AS LOST AS EVER.

Not because we have no signs, but because we have no need for them and no willingness to follow them, when we see them.

 

Following Jesus is the easiest, hardest thing you’ll ever do.

Riches are worthless, prestige is pointless.

This calling is entirely indifferent to your education or means. From prophets of learning to fields and pastures of yearning— He bids all come.

It only requires your whole heart.

And, nothing less.

 

Warren Weirsbe wrote, “No scholarly person who follows the light God gives him can miss worshipping at the feet of Jesus.”

 

The wise, the learned, noble.

The weary, lowly, and unknown.

ALL followed and found the Savior. How can we not?

 

EVERYONE who seeks THE Christ will find Him—when you seek Him with your WHOLE heart and not just the unused or unnecessary corners of it.

 

How far would you go?

How far could you go on faith alone? On just the promise of unseen hope or glory. Past safe or convenient? Into costly and sacrificial lands?

 

I’ve never found Him elsewhere. And I’ve never found Him disappointing. But that’s it. That’s the deal. You don’t get to outsource the journey of obedience.

 

Sure, others can tell you of theirs and show you their slideshow, but it will always lack some degree of significance. Hearing the story of Jesus is different than encountering Him personally.  Ask Paul.

 

Born a king on Bethlehem’s plain

Gold I bring to crown Him again

King forever, ceasing never

Over us all to reign

Oh, star of wonder, star of night

Star with royal beauty bright

Westward leading, still proceeding

Guide us to thy perfect light

We three kings, we three kings….

and a housewife in Texas…

bearing gifts we traverse afar.

Glorious now behold Him arise

King and God and Sacrifice

Aleluia, Aleluia

Heaven to earth replies—

Guide us to thy perfect light.