Where Do You Stand?

“In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men^[a] from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah: for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.” Matthew 2:1-12

This Gospel speaks truth into our world today. As I read it, I see God’s Word so relevant and alive from them to here and now.

The question comes to heart, “where do you stand?”

Herod sent the Magi to find Jesus not because he sought Him but because he hated this baby and what He represented. Today we find people like Herod who see their way of life threatened by Jesus. Their ‘kingship’ and sovereignty is at risk if Jesus is King. They would do anything to maintain their perception and control and rule. Even fight against God and conspire to kill Him if possible. Their world is centered around themselves and has no room for a King Who isn’t them.

Then, there are those who know who this baby is, they can point to Him in Scripture, they know all the signs and see Him clearly in what is right in front of their nose. But, as the scholars, chief priests and scribes knew the prophecies well, they never sought Him. The magi told them the signs were being fulfilled and the child Whom Israel dreamed and prayed for us upon them in that moment, but they stayed in their comfortable palace and homes. Not putting any effort to find the King they so desired. So many people today are like this. I was for many years. I knew God and of Jesus through my upbringing and catechesis but I never sought to search for nor find Him. I was safe in my little world just as it was. And, though like Bethlehem was to these scholars, Jesus was so close to me but I didn’t care to seek Him or know Him.

Then, there are those like the magi on the Road of Faith. Men and women, like you, who traverse afar over long distances just to see Him. They bring their greatest gifts, whether gold, frankincense, and myrrh like the kings from the orient or simply their hearts of faith as the shepherds.

All the world has the opportunity to seek and find Jesus. But, so few take the chance. Whether it is from their selfishness or lack of desire, they shut Jesus out of their life. So few are willing to make the journey down the long road of faith to find Jesus.

Which are you? Where do you stand? Will you travel up that steep hill and fight the demons and the world to get to Jesus, even if it takes you to the cross?

Remember, pharaoh tried to fight and deny God too. How’s that go?