MEETING CHRIST AND NEVER RETURNING THE SAME WAY

Title: MEETING CHRIST AND NEVER RETURNING THE SAME WAY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 2:11-12
Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 12:2, Isaiah 55:6-7

INTRODUCTION:
The birth of Jesus Christ marked a moment in history that would change the course of humanity forever. When the wise men (or Magi) came to visit Jesus, they were not only moved by the miracle of His birth but were also profoundly changed by the experience. After meeting Jesus, they "departed into their own country another way" (Matthew 2:12). This powerful action symbolizes the transformative power of encountering Christ. When we meet Jesus, our lives should never be the same; we are called to leave behind our old ways and embrace a new path of faith, purpose, and obedience. This Christmas, let us reflect on how encountering Christ changes us and challenges us to live differently.

1. THE WISE MEN’S ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST

a) A Search for Truth:
The wise men journeyed from afar, guided by a star, in search of the King of the Jews. Their journey was one of seeking truth and purpose (Matthew 2:2).

b) The Joy of Finding Jesus:
When they found Jesus, they were filled with exceeding great joy. Their encounter was not just physical but spiritual, marking the moment when they found the one they had been seeking (Matthew 2:10).

c) The Significance of Worship:
Upon finding Jesus, the wise men bowed down and worshipped Him. True encounters with Christ always lead to worship, for He alone is worthy of all honor and adoration (Matthew 2:11).

d) The Offering of Gifts:
The wise men presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh—symbolic of Christ's kingship, divinity, and sacrificial death. A true encounter with Christ always involves offering our best to Him (Matthew 2:11).

e) Biblical Example:
When Saul encountered Christ on the road to Damascus, he was blinded and had to be led by others, symbolizing a profound shift in his life. After receiving his sight, Saul was forever changed and became Paul, the Apostle (Acts 9:1-19).

2. A NEW PATH: THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF MEETING CHRIST

a) A Shift in Direction:
The wise men departed "another way." Their encounter with Christ led to a dramatic change in their journey. Meeting Jesus leads us to leave behind old paths of sin, self-centeredness, and disobedience (Matthew 2:12).

b) The Renewal of the Mind:
When we encounter Christ, our way of thinking is transformed. Romans 12:2 tells us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” and this begins with an encounter with Jesus. He changes our perspectives, priorities, and values.

c) Leaving Behind the Old Life:
2 Corinthians 5:17 assures us that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. Old things pass away, and all things become new. An encounter with Christ compels us to leave behind our former life of sin and embrace the new life He offers.

d) Obedience to Divine Direction:
The wise men did not return to King Herod as he had asked. Instead, they followed the divine warning given to them in a dream (Matthew 2:12). Meeting Christ opens our eyes to God’s will and calls us to walk in obedience to His guidance.

e) Biblical Example:
The Samaritan woman at the well, after encountering Jesus, left her water jar behind and went to tell others about Him (John 4:28-30). Her encounter with Christ radically changed her, and she became a witness of the good news.

3. LIVING A LIFE THAT REFLECTS CHRIST’S TRANSFORMATION

a) Walking in the Light of Christ:
After meeting Jesus, we are called to walk in His light, reflecting His love, grace, and truth to others (John 8:12). Our lives should shine as beacons of His presence.

b) A Life of Repentance and Renewal:
Encountering Christ involves turning away from sin and embracing repentance. It’s not just about a one-time change but a continuous journey of transformation (Acts 3:19).

c) The Call to Discipleship:
Meeting Christ calls us to follow Him as disciples. Like the wise men, we must respond to the call of Jesus and journey with Him in faith, obedience, and service (Matthew 4:19).

d) Sharing the Good News:
Just as the wise men didn’t keep the news of Jesus’ birth to themselves, an encounter with Christ compels us to share the good news with others (Matthew 2:12).

e) Biblical Example:
Zacchaeus, after encountering Jesus, immediately pledged to make restitution for his wrongs and to live a life of generosity (Luke 19:8-10). His encounter with Christ brought about a transformation in his heart and actions.

4. THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE: A CALL TO CHANGE

a) Christ’s Birth as a Call to Repentance:
The birth of Jesus reminds us that He came to save us from our sins. His coming invites us to turn from our old ways and embrace a life of holiness and righteousness (Matthew 1:21).

b) The Savior Who Changes Lives:
Christ did not just come to be adored; He came to transform lives. Every encounter with Him has the power to change us from the inside out (Luke 1:37).

c) Responding to Christ’s Invitation:
The invitation to meet Christ is open to all. Just as the wise men responded to the star and followed it to Christ, we are called to respond to the light of Christ and follow Him wherever He leads us.

d) A Christmas Decision:
Christmas calls us to make a decision: Will we meet Christ and return to our old ways, or will we follow Him on a new path that leads to eternal life and purpose? (John 3:16)

e) Biblical Example:
The Apostle Paul, after his encounter with Jesus, said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). His life was forever changed, and he dedicated it to advancing God’s kingdom.

5. LIVING A DIFFERENT LIFE AFTER MEETING CHRIST

a) A Life of Service:
Just as Jesus came to serve, those who encounter Him are called to serve others, following His example of selflessness and love (Mark 10:45).

b) A Life of Peace:
Meeting Christ brings peace that transcends understanding, regardless of circumstances (John 14:27). This peace guides our hearts and minds.

c) A Life of Hope:
Encountering Christ fills us with hope, for in Him, we have the assurance of eternal life and the promise of God’s presence (Romans 15:13).

d) A Life of Worship:
Just as the wise men worshipped Jesus, we too are called to live a life of worship—acknowledging Christ as Lord in all that we do (Romans 12:1).

e) Biblical Example:
The Apostle Peter, after being called by Jesus, left his nets behind and followed Him, living a life of service, preaching the gospel, and witnessing miracles (Matthew 4:19-20).

CONCLUSION:
The wise men’s encounter with Christ was transformative. After meeting Jesus, they departed “another way,” symbolizing the radical change that Christ brings to those who truly meet Him. Just as their lives were changed, so too are we called to walk a new path after encountering Christ. This Christmas, as we reflect on the birth of our Savior, let us remember that meeting Jesus means never returning the same way. Let His presence change our hearts, minds, and lives, and may we walk in the light of His love, truth, and grace.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for the gift of Jesus, whose birth brings transformation to all who encounter Him.

2. Father, help me to walk in the new way that Christ has opened up for me.

3. Lord, renew my mind and heart as I encounter You this Christmas season.

4. Father, I pray for those who have not yet met Jesus, that they may encounter Him and be transformed.

5. Lord, lead me in Your will and guidance, just as You led the wise men by a star.

6. Father, I choose to leave behind my old life and walk in the path that leads to eternal life in Christ.

7. Lord, help me to share the good news of Jesus with those around me.

8. Father, fill my heart with the joy of salvation that comes from encountering Christ.

9. Lord, help me to worship You in spirit and truth every day of my life.

10. Father, I declare that I will never return to my old ways after meeting Christ, but will live a life that reflects His love.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that your encounter with Christ will bring lasting transformation in every area of your life.

2. I declare that you will walk in a new direction, leaving behind all past failures, sin, and shame, and embracing the new life that Christ has prepared for you.

3. I declare that the peace of Christ will rule in your heart, regardless of the challenges you may face.

4. I declare that you will experience divine guidance and direction, just as the wise men were led by the star to Christ.

5. I declare that the joy of the Lord will fill your heart this Christmas season and beyond.

6. I declare that your encounter with Christ will result in a life of service, worship, and obedience to His will.

7. I declare that every obstacle and hindrance to your spiritual growth will be removed in Jesus' name.

8. I declare that you will never return to your old ways, but you will walk in the freedom and victory Christ has secured for you.

9. I declare that the love and grace of God will overflow in your life, touching everyone you encounter.

10. I declare that you will shine as a light in this dark world, pointing others to Christ through your transformed life.