12 August
The Shepherds and the Wise Men
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Matthew 2:1 to 2In the world we live in today mankind looks for visible signs to believe. The Pharisees looked for signs and wonders. Doubting Thomas, too, looked for signs to believe that Jesus was still alive. But Jesus says, "Blessed are those who have not seen yet believe."
The truth is that if we keep following signs were going to miss the main event. There are people today so caught up in looking for signs and wonders that they miss out on the reality of Jesus Christ. On the converse, though, you do not want to be so unaware that you do not know the season you are in.
The wise men came running to a palace to find their future king. They had "seen his star." Well, it makes one wonder how long these men had been studying the stars to note one distinct star that ushered in the Saviour. But they missed the real birth. And had they studied the Scriptures, they would have known that the King would not be born in a palace but in a manger.
We have, on the other side of the fence, a few shepherds watching their flock by night. They were not looking for signs and wonders. Their responsibility was to watch over the flock by night. Had they slumbered, they would have missed the grand occasion of the appearance of the Lord. Praise God. They only did what they were required to do ... watch over the flock. Thousands missed to see that glorious day because they slumbered. But the shepherds did not sleep.
There is no time to slumber and sleep and dance to the tunes of this world. Yes, look out for the signs that Jesus speaks of, but more importantly, always be ready for the return of the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.