relentless Pursuit

“This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.”

 ”About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose and we have come to worship him.’ King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem.” 

“And the star they (the wise men) had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts …”

Matthew 1:18-19, 2:1-3, 2:9b-11

My Abba,

When I read this account in Matthew about our Messiah’s birth, I am struck by the three distinctly different responses to your presence and purposes. I feel like there have been times in my life when I have responded like each of them.

Joseph is described as a good guy who was just trying to do the right thing. He was slammed with a heartbreaking situation - his fiancée was pregnant with someone else’s child. Based on his own understanding, Joseph believed there was only one honorable way out. He thought he should quietly, but decisively, end things with Mary.

You were moving to bring our Savior into the world – one of the most paramount, show-stopping actions you would ever take on our behalf. What Joseph perceived as a disreputable betrayal was actually you working to accomplish your greatest good.

 I can relate to being confused by the ways you are moving, at times. Like Joseph, what looks dark and distressing to my eyes can be, in reality, your hands creating something glorious and eternally redemptive.

Then there was the response of King Herod and “everyone in Jerusalem.” It says they were all “deeply disturbed.” Why did the prospect of a newborn king seem so catastrophic to them? The first thought that comes to my mind is that it was probably motivated by a desire for power and control. Herod wanted to cling to his throne and the people wanted to blindly adhere to their traditions. I think they were deeply invested in life as they knew it and didn’t want you shaking things up.

The wise men definitely come off as the heroes in this trio of first responders. They diligently sought the Messiah. They were filled with joy when they found him. Then they worshiped him and gave him gifts.

 I want to respond to you and your plans like the wise men. I want to diligently seek you. I want to experience the joy of your presence. I want to worship you and give you the gift of my life as an offering of thanksgiving and praise.

Make my passion for you like a voracious wildfire consuming any hindrance that keeps me from fully enjoying you.

I love you,

Mollie

My child,

I am glad you are gleaning wisdom from these responses.

 Joseph was confused and hurt but looking for the right solution. With a little more instruction through a dream, he came into alignment with my plans. It was not an easy road for him, but he was obedient. When you pursue my purposes, I will lead you down the right path, even when you feel disoriented and everything looks upside down.

King Herod and many of the people allowed their fear and hunger for control to dominate them. They made evil choices as a result. You may never make the heinous choices they did, but when you allow fear and a desire for control to master you, you will make poor decisions that do not lead to life.

Follow the example of the wise men. They waited expectantly. With great anticipation, they set their sights on reveling in the presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. They put all their energy into that one goal. They were relentless in their pursuit. Their reward was great.

By my Spirit, I can fuel in you a relentless pursuit of my presence, passions, and purposes. That is the abundant life for which I created you.

I love you,

Abba

photo: s.aramyan