Thursday, 19 December 2024

THE WISE STILL SEEK HIM

Title: THE WISE STILL SEEK HIM

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 2:9-12
Supporting Texts: Jeremiah 29:13, Proverbs 8:17

INTRODUCTION:
The account of the wise men seeking Jesus teaches profound lessons about true wisdom and devotion. Despite the challenges and distance, they diligently pursued the newborn King. Their story reveals that wisdom is demonstrated in seeking, finding, and worshipping Christ. Even today, the wise still seek Him, not for material gain but for the salvation, peace, and purpose that only Jesus offers.

1. SEEKING CHRIST: A MARK OF WISDOM

a) True Wisdom is Spiritual:
The wise men recognised the star as a divine sign and sought Christ with understanding (Proverbs 9:10).

b) Seeking Requires Effort:
Their journey was long and challenging, showing their determination to find the Saviour.

c) A Heart Fixed on Him:
Those who seek God with all their hearts will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).

d) Faith Fuels the Search:
It takes faith to pursue God’s presence, trusting in His promises.

e) Biblical Example:
Zacchaeus sought to see Jesus and was rewarded with salvation (Luke 19:1-10).

2. FINDING CHRIST: A REWARD FOR THE DILIGENT

a) God Rewards Those Who Seek Him:
The wise men were guided by the star until they found Jesus (Hebrews 11:6).

b) Joy in His Presence:
Upon finding Him, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy (Matthew 2:10).

c) The Ultimate Treasure:
Jesus is the greatest reward for those who seek Him (Colossians 2:3).

d) Finding Brings Transformation:
Encounters with Christ always change lives for the better (2 Corinthians 5:17).

e) Biblical Example:
The woman at the well found the Messiah and her life was transformed (John 4:25-29).

3. WORSHIPPING CHRIST: THE RESPONSE OF THE WISE

a) Worship is an Act of Honour:
The wise men bowed down and worshipped Jesus, recognising His divinity.

b) True Worship is Sacrificial:
They offered valuable gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—symbolising honour, worship, and sacrifice.

c) Christ Deserves Our Best:
Genuine worship involves giving God the best of our time, talent, and treasure.

d) Worship is Transformative:
True worship aligns us with God’s will and purpose.

e) Biblical Example:
Mary anointed Jesus with costly perfume, demonstrating sacrificial worship (John 12:3).

4. AVOIDING DISTRACTIONS IN SEEKING HIM

a) The Danger of Worldly Distractions:
Herod tried to manipulate the wise men, but they stayed focused on their mission.

b) Discernment in Seeking:
The wise men were warned in a dream to avoid Herod, showing God’s guidance.

c) Faith Over Fear:
They obeyed God rather than succumbing to Herod’s schemes.

d) Staying Focused on Christ:
The journey of faith requires intentional focus on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2).

e) Biblical Example:
Nehemiah refused to be distracted from rebuilding the wall despite opposition (Nehemiah 6:3).

5. THE REWARDS OF SEEKING CHRIST

a) Divine Guidance:
The star led the wise men to the exact location of the Saviour.

b) Everlasting Joy:
Finding Christ brings joy that cannot be compared to earthly pleasures (Psalm 16:11).

c) A Changed Path:
After meeting Jesus, the wise men departed by another route, symbolising transformation.

d) Eternal Life:
Those who seek and find Christ receive the ultimate reward—eternal life (John 17:3).

e) Biblical Example:
Simeon sought the Lord and experienced great joy when he saw the promised Messiah (Luke 2:25-30).

CONCLUSION:
The wise men’s journey teaches us the importance of seeking, finding, and worshipping Christ. In a world full of distractions, the truly wise still seek Him with diligence and faith. As we seek Him, He reveals Himself, transforms us, and fills our lives with joy and purpose. Let us prioritise the pursuit of Jesus above all else, for He is the ultimate reward of our faith.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, grant me the wisdom to seek You diligently in all seasons.

2. Father, help me to overcome distractions and focus on Your presence.

3. Lord, reveal Yourself to me as I seek You with all my heart.

4. Father, let my life be filled with the joy of finding and knowing You.

5. Lord, teach me to worship You with all that I am and all that I have.

6. Father, guide my steps and keep me on the path of righteousness.

7. Lord, help me to trust in Your promises and pursue Your purpose for my life.

8. Father, transform me through every encounter with Your presence.

9. Lord, let my life reflect Your glory and lead others to seek You.

10. Father, reward my diligence with the joy of eternal life in Christ.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that you will diligently seek and find the Lord in every season.

2. You will overcome every distraction and stay focused on God’s purpose for your life.

3. The joy of finding Christ will overflow in your heart and home.

4. You will experience divine guidance and clarity in your journey of faith.

5. The light of God’s presence will shine brightly on your path.

6. Your life will be a testimony of the rewards of seeking Christ.

7. You will worship God with all that you have and walk in His divine favour.

8. Every encounter with Jesus will transform your life and destiny.

9. Your diligence in seeking God will bring you into the fulfilment of His promises.

10. You will reflect the wisdom of Christ and lead others to Him in Jesus’ name.

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