Every Christian has a testimony. Some are very exciting, some don’t seem dramatic, but all are important. From the moment Christ was born, people sought Him, and each one had a testimony to share. We really don’t know what day He was born, but we have facts about His birth. Prophecy tells us that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem.
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2).
Bethlehem is also called “the City of David,” and prophecy also was clear that the Messiah would come from the line of King David. When a young virgin named Mary became pregnant with the son of God, she didn’t live in Bethlehem. She lived in Nazareth. When God gives a prophetic message to His chosen prophets, you can be sure it will happen.
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed” (Luke 2:1).
It was required that everybody had to go to their own city. Both Joseph and Mary were direct descendants of King David (Joseph through Solomon and Mary through Nathan), so off they went to Bethlehem. Mary was “great with child,” and that journey must have been hard for her.
Once in Bethlehem, there were others there because of the decree, and all the rooms at the inn were full. Joseph and Mary had to take shelter in a manger.
“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:6-7).
I’m sure that the other children Mary gave birth to were born in more comfortable conditions, but Jesus, the Lamb of God, was humbly born in a manger. This history-changing event went unnoticed by most of the people in Bethlehem, including the religious leaders. It seems as if God would have been certain to make it known to the priests that the Messiah had arrived, but God’s ways aren’t our ways, and He chose to announce the birth of Jesus to the lowliest of people of the day…shepherds.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid” (Luke 2:8-9).
I’m sure I would have been afraid, too. “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
The shepherds were told where to find Jesus and how to identify Him. “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2: 13-14).
With all that commotion, I would think that someone in Bethlehem would have heard, or even Jerusalem, which was about 6 miles away. People of that day didn’t have earbuds in while glued to a video game. Only the shepherds were blessed to have been the first to hear the good news. They left their flocks and hurried to the manger where they found Jesus with Joseph and Mary. The shepherds were understandably amazed and wanted to tell other people.
“And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds” (Luke 2:18).
The shepherds had a wonderful testimony, and they shared it with others. If you heard the story that the shepherds told, would you believe them? Would you go looking for Jesus?
Life went on, and there were important things that needed tending to. The Law was specific about what was to be done after the birth of a son, and sacrifices that were to be made. Joseph and Mary didn’t have much money, so they were only able to offer a pair of turtledoves. The temple, of course, was in Jerusalem. That’s where they encountered a very devout man named Simeon. Simeon had been looking for the Messiah.
“And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” (Luke 2:26).
Simeon was led by the Holy Spirit to be at the temple when Joseph and Mary were also there with Jesus. “Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou has prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel” (Luke 2:28-32).
Nobody should depart this life without finding Jesus. Simeon was looking for the Messiah and found Him. Why did Simeon recognize Jesus when the religious leaders were so blind? The answer to that question may be found in the fact that Simeon desired to see the Messiah and was devoted to God. The Pharisees and other leaders were happy with their own positions of power and didn’t want to share that power with anybody, even if that meant closing their hearts to the Messiah. Simeon had a testimony. Did he share this with others? Did they just think he was a crazy old man? Don’t miss Jesus because you would rather be blind. Listen to the testimony of others and find Jesus.
Anna was another one in the Temple that day and found Jesus because she was looking. She was a prophetess and had been a widow for many years. “And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:37).
Anna must have been a lovely person to know. She was devoted to God and was always at the Temple. Anna understood who the baby was, and she told everybody who was looking for the redemption in Jerusalem. She had a testimony and wasn’t ashamed to tell others. Have you found Jesus? Do you speak of Him to others? Anna and Simeon were both blessed to have their eyes and hearts open to finding Jesus.
There was another group who found Jesus. They came from far away and brought gifts. These men were the wise men, sometimes called the Magi. It must have been a marvelous sight to see when they entered into Jerusalem and stated their purpose. “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2).
Magus (Magi) is a name given by various nations, including Babylon, to wise men, teachers, astrologers, seers, etc., and many scholars believe they were from an order that was established by Daniel in Babylon. Notice their choice of words. For instance, “born king.” A royal son is normally born a prince and then becomes a king when his parent dies. Prince Charles wasn’t born a king but became king when his mother died. The wise men said they had seen “his star.” Not just any star but “his star.”
What was this “star”?
There is much speculation, but we really don’t know. Some say it was a comet or a conjunction of planets. My feeling is it was a special sign from God. God gives us prophecies and signs, but if we don’t understand them, we miss a lot. Whatever it was, they followed that star to Jerusalem, then lost sight of it. So, they went to visit King Herod. It’s too bad they didn’t talk to the shepherds who had gone to the manger after seeing the angels, or Simeon or Anna. These people would have given a better testimony.
Herod had no idea, so he called the chief priests and scribes and asked them where Christ was prophesied to be born. It seems as if these priests and scribes were guilty of the same thing people today are guilty of. They had Scripture but didn’t care to understand it. Prophecy was being fulfilled, but they were oblivious to it. Much like many Christians today.
The priests and scribes found the answer in Micah 5:2. Herod then questioned them about when the star appeared. This gave him an idea of how old Jesus was. “And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also” (Matthew 2:8).
Notice that Herod sent them to find the “young child,” not a baby. This wasn’t the night Jesus was born but sometime after His birth.
When the magi left Herod, they saw the star again. “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gits; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way” (Matthew 2:11-12).
They found Jesus in a “house” (Greek word oikia) and not a manger (Greek word phatne). They gave gifts to the young child (not to His parents but to Jesus). The gold, frankincense, and myrrh were expensive treasures, which more than likely were sold in order to pay for the trip to Egypt. Also, notice they worshipped Jesus, not Mary.
“And when they were departed, behold the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him” (Matthew 2:13).
The magi had searched for Jesus and found Him. They honored Him with gifts, then went on their way. Herod also was searching for Jesus but not to honor Him. Herod wanted to kill Him. Not everybody who seeks Jesus does so with good intentions.
Have you looked for Jesus? Did you find Him? Many Christians who claim to know Him are like the chief priests and scribes. They’ve read through Scripture and go through the motions but haven’t truly found Jesus. Jesus chose to enter His creation as the blessed Lamb of God who would eventually allow Himself to be crucified to take our sins away. Before that would happen, Jesus called twelve men to teach His ways so they could teach others. They shared the Good News, and their faithfulness has given us the way to find Jesus. Now it’s time for us to share our faith and testimony with others.
God bless you all
Nathele Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
Recommended prophecy sites: All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.
www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com
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“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).
The post How Did You Find Jesus? :: By Nathele Graham appeared first on Rapture Ready.
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