Where Is He?

Daily Reading: Matthew 2

Scripture Focus: Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose [or in the east] and have come to worship him. (Matthew 2.2)

Devotional Thought: Smart phones are no big deal to my children, but I remember when phones were isolated to buildings - and they had cords! Now I can take my phone anywhere - in the car, in a meeting, at lunch with friends. I can call people, text people and email people from anywhere. I can get on the internet and look up anything at any time. I can check my appointments, check the weather and get directions to my next destination. I do have one complaint about my cell phone, however. When I open my phone to do something, there is usually something else waiting for me - a text, an email, or a voice mail. So I get distracted. Then, I forget what I was doing!

The wise men who were seeking Jesus did not have cell phones to lead them to their destination, but they did have a star - a star placed by God himself. They followed that star successfully for nearly 1000 miles. When they arrived at Jerusalem, however, something happened. They lost sight of the star. I wonder if it was all the distraction of the city. Or perhaps, when they consulted with Herod and the Jewish leaders, their vision was blurred. Once they got back on the road, the star reappeared and led them right to where they wanted to go.

How is your vision of Jesus? Can you see him clearly? Or, are you distracted by all the messages and images bombarding you? We try many ways to find our way back to him, but what we need to do is just go back to what is a timeless way to find him: The Word of God. That star is still shining! Are you looking in the right place?

Prayer: Lord, there are so many things that distract me, so many things that promise fulfillment, but the meaning of life is found only in you. Help me to keep my eyes on you at all times. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 65 Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, like a strong man shouting because of wine. 66 And he put his adversaries to rout; he put them to everlasting shame. 67 He rejected the tent of Joseph; he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim, 68 but he chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which he loves. 69 He built his sanctuary like the high heavens, like the earth, which he has founded forever. 70 He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds; 71 from following the nursing ewes he brought him to shepherd Jacob his people, Israel his inheritance. 72 With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand. (Psalms 78:65-72)