Smart enemies seek Jesus
Soul Snack 210/10 ... A Tale of 2 Pioneers
'He (King Herod) sent them (the Magi) to Bethlehem and said, 'go and make a careful search for the child (Jesus)'...' Matt 2:8a
History's annals record pioneers with great affection.
Clue filled scratchings on gnarled tree trunks, long cold and remote fire-places or tattered hand-written diaries are the fodder of their diligent and brave endeavours.
There are also two 'pioneers' to reflect upon in this verse. The first pioneer a malevolent king vicariously searching for another king. The second pioneer is The King descending and involved in man's kingdom. The first searches in hatred, the second the pioneer of salvation.
From an unrestrained malevolence Herod exercises due diligence in searching for this baby king. Even Jesus' enemies were smart enough to search carefully for Jesus.
Pagans too from another nation would spend up to two years in the search for Jesus.
Yet conspicuously, Jesus own people, are observed by their dis-interest and even rejection. Christmas pioneers from Israel were almost non-existent.
Today still calls loudly for Christmas pioneers. People who will search for The King above the indulgent overspending, overeating and 'over-the-top' celebrations. Celebrations that paradoxically even deny the reason for their existence.
Today Christmas pioneers:
- will place His presence above their presents,
- will search for Jesus in stillness before spending and
- will seek daily devotion before their own delights.
Unlike Herod, Christmas pioneers will search for Jesus, just because they want Him to receive from them.