It often amazes me with all the technology and online resources we have available these days how some people, even those who attend church, have difficulty finding Jesus. In some ways, it’s easier than ever to pull up the Bible app on your phone and go to a verse that describes his majesty or promise. At the same time, the Internet is flooded with articles and commentary from men and women of different faith. How can a seeker possibly know they’re finding their way to real truth?

The answer, of course, is to seek within Scripture. If you look there, you’ll always find Jesus, even in Old Testament passages that point to his coming and describe his glory.

Psalm 72 is a great reference for this. It talks of the promise of justice Christ will bring to the poor, and judgment with righteousness. It speaks of his dominion–of his glory and respect, and how kings would bring presents and gifts and fall down before him.

I love the first part of verse seventeen, where it says:

His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun.

There are many references to stars in the Bible, one in particular that relates to Jesus receiving such gifts as mentioned in Psalm 72.

Matthew chapter two starts out with the wise men, or magi, coming from the East to Jerusalem. There has been much debate over these men throughout history. Scripture doesn’t say how many there were, nor give us a clear picture of their nationality or origin. Some have called them astrologers, others princes, sorcerers or kings. But I’ve seen no debate on how they found their way to Christ. That incredible, divinely-provided star.

In verses 9-11 of Matthew 2, after Herod had met with these men in secret, the star led them straight to Jesus.

When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

One of the key things to remember here is that God guided these men–these seekers–straight to Jesus. Just as He guides us today with His word.

Hebrews 11:6 promises that God is a rewarder of those who in true faith diligently seek Him. What a great promise–that if we earnestly try to find our way to salvation, God will guide us there.

For the journaling:

First, I am grateful to my good friend Melanie Rebro for suggesting this topic, and offering her ideas for the journal entry. She knew yesterday was a tough day and took care of me!

1. In Matthew 2:9-11, highlight “the star which they had seen in the East went before them”, and circle “when they saw the star, they rejoiced”, and “they presented gifts to Him of gold, Frankincense and myrrh.”
2. Draw a star in the top corner of the page, a small house below it with light radiating from within, and the silhouettes of the three wise men.
3. Add a reference to Psalm 72:10-11, with a caption of “Guide us to thy perfect Light”.

I’ll add to that the reference to Hebrews 11:6 and write “Diligently seek Him.”