Looking for Something?
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis
About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
—Matthew 2:1b-2 (NLT)
The Magi (Wise Men) mentioned in the Bible about the birth of Jesus Christ on Earth, were very astute. They knew the night skies and saw a new star.
I don’t know about you, but there are millions of stars up in the heavens, and I am not sure I could pick out the one star that was different. I am not a stargazer extraordinaire. However, I have been known to watch meteor showers, the night sky when camping, or while at home in our pasture or sitting around the campfire. The skies do indeed, proclaim the work of God’s hand (Psalm 19:1).
These Magi noticed this new star and began formulating a plan that included a trip to Jerusalem. Most believe they traveled about a thousand miles or more to get to the epicenter of Jewish life: Jerusalem. But that long journey did not deter these men. They were determined. They were on a quest, and they would not stop until they knew the answer to their question. They were, indeed, looking for something.
Or rather, they were looking for Someone. The Lord said in Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT), “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”
What are we looking for? Some may answer with: Happiness. Wealth. Health. A good marriage. A good time. Anything but what they have currently. But is what we are looking for worth the search? Are we looking for the wrong thing? The temporal thing? A band aid or quick fix? In the long run, we need long-lasting help and answers. We need hope.
Bible commentators are quick to point out that these wise men knew Scripture, most likely because Jews lived in the region and through the generations, the men from the east began to know it too—whether or not they knew the God behind the Scriptures. The point to note is they saw the star in the night sky, and they went on a trek to find the place where Jesus was—the star was shining on him as a spotlight. They looked for an answer. They stopped everything they were doing and went across the miles in search of the Answer.
God promises we will find Him when we search wholeheartedly for Him (see Matthew 7:7). Do we pack up our lives and search for Him? Do we stop what we are doing or where we are going and make an about-face to find Him? Do we pay attention to the prick in our hearts to satisfy the longing that has been there ever so long?
If not, why not? Even if we have a relationship with God already, we could have strayed or gotten off the path, gotten busy, gotten distracted, gotten bitter, or not gotten our way. Therefore, we tuned out, turned off or wandered. The point being we are not where we should be, and we know it. And we feel the tug, the prick, the nudge, the longing. Then we finally acknowledge we are missing something.
Someone.
This Someone was the baby born in Bethlehem. Now He (Jesus) is our High Priest and Savior. The Bible says His name is Jesus because He will save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). Will you be like the Magi and chart out the course to find Jesus? Will you stop the ordinary hustle and bustle and search wholeheartedly for Jesus? Will you keep searching until you find Him and are fully satisfied? He is worth the search. He is our Manna from Heaven. He is our Peace. He is our Joy. Jesus is our Hope.
Let’s Pray: Father God, Lord of all creation. Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of God and the Savior of the world. He is the long-awaited Messiah who came to Earth to dwell among us, to go to the Cross as Your sacrificial Lamb and to redeem us from our sins. You Lord are Sovereign and beautiful. Your perfect will is amazing. Thank You for giving us opportunities to seek and find You. You are not far off. You are near, available and You are love. Thank You, Lord. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Song of Reflection: “So Will I (100 Billion X)” by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it here.
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Author Bio:
Kerry Sue’s life is very full because she is a wife and Marmee to three adult children—two of whom are married—and a new grandson.
Kerry Sue met her husband in college and served on the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the United States of America to raise their family.
Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 24 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.
Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s. Whether it’s singing in the church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than eight years, a Bible study writer for four years, and a devotional writer for more than two years.
Kerry Sue feels led to write about finding God’s Sovereignty in our suffering because of her own ongoing journey of more than four years, with the hope to encourage others.
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Connect with Kerry:
Blog: https://www.sovereignblog.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.teravskis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksteravskis/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sovereignblog
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