Will We Seek Jesus?

Wise men from the East looked for Jesus. They had been searching the heavens where they saw an unusual star and they followed the star to Israel. Then they said, Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? (Mt. 2:2a NKJV) They wanted to worship the King.

Shepherds responded after they saw an angelic visitation. They left their flock of sheep and went to Bethlehem because they wanted to see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. (Lk 2:15b)

We may not be able to literally see a star in the heavens or hear a message from an angelic host, but each of us can hear God’s message in our heart. If we listen, we will learn His call is soft, gentle, real. He waits for our response.

Will we seek Jesus—that we might worship Him? Will we investigate the truth He makes known in our lives?

As we celebrate Christmas once again, our goal can be seeking Jesus. Like the wise men and the shepherds, let us spiritually look for Him and upon Him. Let us worship Him.

Originally published December 18, 1987.

Prince of Peace

Peace seems to be the cry of almost every heart. If you doubt it, why do so many Christmas cards focus upon peace as a theme—with angelic choirs signing before lowly shepherds: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace good will toward men. (Lk. 2:14 KJV)

But peace is an elusive quality. It has not been found by world governments—although they often bandy the word about. And social conditions indicate personal peace within individuals is also rare.

When Jesus approached the end of His ministry and His impending death on the cross, He wept because the people did not know peace. Overlooking the city of Jerusalem He said, if you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. (Lk. 19:42 NIV)

Perhaps we do need the emphasis of peace during the Christmas season. But a genuine search for peace cannot focus on a concept but on the person of Jesus.

After hearing the angel’s message, the shepherds responded by immediately going on a search. But they did not search for peace. They searched for the baby. They knew He was not only the key to the angel’s message. He was the message. They said, Let us now go. . . . And when they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. (Lk. 2:16 KJV)

They found a Savior—and it is the Savior who brings Peace.

Originally published December 10, 1982.
Picture: Creche carved from olive wood. Photo by Solveig.

Joseph's Visitation

After the angel Gabriel visited Mary—and after the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary—Joseph must have been a confused man. We read that, not willing to make her [Mary] a public example, [he] was minded to put her away secretly. (Mt. 1:19b KJV)

Scripture also says, But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. (Mt. 1:20)

This was not a standard dream, but Joseph accepted the strange supernatural message about a strange supernatural event. He changed his plans and was obedient to God's Word. The Bible tells us, being raised from sleep [he] did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife. (1:24)

Joseph's troubles were just beginning. The road ahead included the trip to Bethlehem with Mary giving birth to the baby in a stable. Then, when Herod threatened to kill the Christ, the angel spoke again. This time Joseph took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt. (2:14b) Because he did not know how long they would be gone, his plans could only be incomplete.

Throughout the infancy and childhood of Jesus, Joseph played a key role in a deadly struggle. God selected this complex man to fulfill a huge task. It was the hour of his visitation.

Originally published December 17, 1982 and December 16, 1988.
Picture: Viewed from the street, Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Recognizing His Messengers

We’ll see many angels this Christmas season. They will be perched on top of Christmas trees and floating on greeting cards. Some of us will also hear angels—singing in Sunday School programs, wearing white robes with gold or silver accents, sporting a tinsel halo.

Have you ever wondered what the Angel Gabriel looked like when he came to Mary in Galilee? Luke’s account does not suggest anything unusual about his appearance. It only records that Mary was troubled at his saying and considered what manner of greeting this was. (Lk. 1:29b NKJV)

Maybe everyone knew how angels looked during Bible times, but I doubt it. The important thing is that Mary accepted Gabriel as God’s messenger. She listened when he spoke and she received his Word for her. She responded in faith when she said, Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word. (v. 38)

God speaks to His people in many ways. Will we recognize His messengers to us this Christmas season? Will we hear Him when He speaks?

Originally published December 4, 1992.

God Incarnate

Everyone loves a baby. During the Christmas season, we are especially aware that God sent His Word to us in just such a form.

God sent His Word to Mary through an angel and she responded, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. (Lk. 1:38a RSV) Jesus was conceived when Mary opened her heart to receive.

The sweet baby—God Incarnate—came for the express purpose of wooing and winning sinful people. And God continues to send forth His Word through revelation of the person called Jesus. He waits for our response and He rejoices when His truth and life are conceived in the hearts of people who open their hearts to receive.

Originally published December 18, 1981.

The Call of God

Whether they realize it or not, almost everyone hears the call of God on a regular basis—not as a loud, obvious voice—but as a small, quiet knowing in the heart. Perhaps we know we should forgive someone—or show love to a particular individual. Maybe we know we should spend more time with the Lord.

This type of knowing is usually gentle—easy to ignore. Nevertheless, a person who hears will often experience a negative reaction—both within themselves and from others. For human self-will balks when confronted by God’s call. We know—but our sinful nature rebels.

When a young Jeremiah heard God speak, he knew God’s gentle voice. Yet he made excuses when God gave Him a specific call. He knew the people he would have to confront. He knew the message God gave him would be rejected—and that he would be personally rejected as well. He said, Ah, Sovereign Lord . . . I do not know how to speak; I am only a child. (Jer. 1:6 NIV)

God spoke again, Do not say, I am only a child. You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you. (v. 7,8)

Originally published February 1, 1985.
Picture: Wild Berries, Glacier National Park, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Though It Tarries, Wait

The social conditions of Israel upset the prophet Habakkuk. He saw evil people prosper. And even though some individuals sought God, the nation as a whole did not. To make matters worse, God did not seem to answer his prayers.

In frustration and bitterness, Habakkuk cried out, O Lord, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear. (Hab. 1:2a NKJV)

Habakkuk received an answer he did not expect. God told him a great nation—Babylon—was being shaped as an instrument of judgment against Israel. Then God told him to write down the message for all to hear and understand—because it was a true message and people needed to receive the warning. Though it tarries, God said, wait for it; because it will surely come. . . . (2:3)

Our natural minds think Habakkuk would have been upset or disappointed. But although Habakkuk did not receive the answer he wanted, he forgot to complain.

Habakkuk rejoiced because had God had given him a message, and he responded with a hymn of praise. He initially listed all the things that bothered him or that could go wrong in his agricultural world. But after receiving God's message, he somehow knew that even if there were no figs or grapes, no laborers to harvest the olives, no grains—or if the sheep or cattle be lost, still he would say, Yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will joy in the God of my salvation. (3:18)

Habakkuk's response is not surprising for a person who has heard God’s voice. Many people receive changed hearts when God comes to them or speaks to them. His Presence changes everything.

Originally published July 24, 1992.

Inside the Tent

The ark of God’s presence did not have a permanent home during David’s lifetime. Before Saul and David became kings, the Israelites were a losely organized nation. The ark had rested in several locations and at one time it was even captured by the Philistines who were enemies of the Israelites. Although it had been returned, Saul had been content to leave the ark where it rested.

But the Ark of the Covenant was God’s ordained means of speaking to His people at that point in time. It was the focus of pure worship, and David determined in his heart to bring it to Jerusalem.

Moving the Ark was a monumental event—complete with tragedy, delay, blessing, and victory. David did finally succeed in bringing it all the way to Jerusalem where he had prepared a tent as temporary dwelling for it. Then he sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the Lord. (II Sam. 6:17 NIV)

Until David’s son Solomon built the temple, this tent housed the ark, and it was the center of worship. David wrote a psalm of thanksgiving: Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. (Ps. 96:9 NKJV)

David did not feel restricted when he worshipped before the ark. He and all who desired could experience God's presence and holiness in the special tent.

Originally published January 11, 1985.
Picture: Commercial display, Greater Twin City area, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

He Cares, Provides, and Protects

The Israelites were unique among ancient cultures. While other nations had different gods for different aspects of life, the God of Israel was One God, and He was Lord of every aspect of their lives. He was God of agriculture and God of the hunt. He directed military campaigns and commercial endeavors. He regulated public and private conduct.

One psalm reads, Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house: your children like olive plants all around your your table. (Ps. 128:3 NKJV) Another psalm reads, In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and He heard me. Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. (Ps. 120:1,2)

Central to their belief in an all-pervasive God was their belief in a God who cared about them—a God who provided for them and protected them: Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people, from this time forth and forever. (Ps. 125:1,2)

Originally published May 22, 1992.
Picture: Lindenwood Park, Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Direct Conversations

Before the Israelites built their Tabernacle, there was the tent of meeting. It wasn’t ornate, and it wasn’t a place for sacrifices or priestly service. This tent pitched outside the camp was the place where Moses met with God when he wasn’t on the mountain.

When he went into the tent of meeting, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the Lord spoke with Moses. . . . (Ex. 33:9b NIV) The people knew God was talking to him, and they gathered around the tent of meeting to hear what God had said.

Can your image what this was like? Although God performed many miracles through Moses, perhaps the most remarkable experiences of Moses’ life were his conversations with God—including those in the tent of meeting. We are awed by the direct communication. At one time Moses bluntly told God he would not lead the people anywhere unless God’s Presence went with them. God said, I will do the very thing you have asked. . . . (v. 17b)

When Moses asked to see God’s glory, God arranged a special display for this man who came to talk with Him.

Originally published September 24, 1982.
Picture: Viewed from the street, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

And Moses Listened

Moses communicated directly with God, and God told him to do amazing things. When he did, miracles happened. It would be enough to make a person proud. But the Bible tells us, Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all the men who were on the face of the earth. (Num. 12:3 NKJV)

Moses demonstrated this humble nature more than once. When his father-in-law Jethro came to hear everything that God had done for Moses and the Israelites, Jethro was more than a little impressed. He concluded the God of Israel was the God above all gods.

Nevertheless, the next day Jethro offered advice to Moses after seeing the long line of people waiting for Moses to settle their disputes. He said, you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself. (Ex. 18:18)

Moses listened. He didn't think God spoke only to him, and he willingly received from another person. Without a trace of pride he incorporated his father-in-law’s advice by choosing men to help him with the task.

Originally published September 4, 1992.

Too Much to Grasp

Although the Hebrew slaves in Egypt knew something about God, they didn’t walk with Him or live in relationship with Him, and they had no understanding of His nature. God instructed Moses, say to the children of Israel: I am the Lord; I will bring you out from under the burden of the Egyptians . . . I will redeem you with an outstretched arm. . . . (Ex. 6:6 NKJV)

This was too much for the people of slavery to grasp, so they didn’t listen to Moses. Their pain was too deep to understand thoughts about a future and a hope.

It’s possible to live this way today. We might know something about God. But if we don’t have a vital connection with Him we cannot overcome our problems. When that happens, we are unable to hear God’s Word. We might even live in bondage.

While we struggle, God waits to reveal Himself. John the Baptist said to the people of Jesus’ time, There stands One among you whom you do not know. (Jn. 1:26b) The same is true today. The Spirit of Jesus is real. Ask Him to reveal Himself and move for you.

Originally published June 28, 1991.

A Strange Sight

God performed at least one miracle because He wanted someone’s attention. Moses noticed a bush when he tended his father-in-law’s flocks. The bush continued to burn and burn, and the sight made no sense. Because fire consumes or uses the energy or fuel, the fire should die when the energy stored in a piece of burning wood is gone. However, God’s energy infused the bush—provided supernatural energy. The bush kept burning.

Moses was 80 years old at the time—trained in Pharaoh’s court and in desert survival. He knew a great deal, but this was something different. He decided to get a closer look. Perhaps he tried to figure out if there was a hidden source of fuel. God saw him coming and called, “Moses! Moses!” (Ex. 3:4b NKJV)

And Moses said, “Here I am.” (3:4b)

Don’t you wonder how Moses felt when God spoke. God had his attention. The miracle initiated a new beginning for Moses and for the Hebrew people.

Originally published July 8, 1988.
Picture: Viewed from the street, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.