Faith and Family

Seeking Him

BY DONNA WHARTENBY

Have you ever found yourself endlessly searching for your keys, wallet, or cell phone? You continue to search until the item is found, don’t you? Certain things are worth seeking until you find them. Read on.

Two millennia ago, shepherds were watching their flocks of sheep at night when an angel from God appeared to them announcing the birth of a child named Jesus. The shepherds left their flocks to seek this Holy Child in Bethlehem (Luke 2:8-20). Soon after, three wise men called Magi came from the East following a bright star seeking to find the prophesied king. Finding Him, they bowed in worship and presented royal gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:1-11).

Three decades later, Nicodemus, a Jewish leader, sought Jesus because He performed miracles from God. Nicodemus wanted the new life Jesus taught of: hope and eternal life through living a life pleasing to Elohim, Mighty God (John 3:1-15). Then there was the wealthy tax collector, short in stature, who climbed a sycamore-fig tree desiring to see Jesus. Jesus called him down from the tree to spend time with him. Zacchaeus, impacted by the words of Jesus, admitted he cheated people out of their money and promised to repay them fourfold. In seeking a life in Jesus, Zacchaeus was immediately freed from his sinful punishment on the day of judgment and received reward in this life and the next life with Yahweh, Almighty God (Luke 19).

Jairus, a synagogue leader, searched for Jesus in a crowd. Matthew 9:18-25 tells us Jairus believed Jesus could heal his daughter, who had just passed away. When Jesus took the girl’s hand, she got up as He commanded. An ailing woman in the same crowd believed if she could simply touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, she’d be healed from her twelve-year infirmity. Jesus felt her touch and acknowledged her activated faith had prompted her healing. Jesus demonstrated grace and mercy to Jairus and the ill woman because of their strong faith in Him.

After Jesus’ death on the cross in Jerusalem, women went to His tomb with spices and ointments to tend to His body. They loved Him and desired to care for Him even after His death. They were the first to find the empty tomb. Jesus, our Savior and Lord, was resurrected from the dead (Matthew 28:1-10).

These biblical accounts describe individuals seeking Jesus, our Savior and Lord. They came to Him to be rescued from their old lives, uncertainties, dangers, and evil. They came to Him to glorify, honor, and serve Him. They came to find out how to find joy, love, and hope in this life, and find eternal life after death through Jesus’ salvation for His followers. They sought Him with belief and faith in who He was. They sought Jesus Christ, who frees us from eternal punishment by His resurrection, offering us eternal life.

Are you seeking Jesus today? Are you trusting in Him as the resurrected Savior who gives us new life on earth and eternal life without punishment? Do you seek His peace, comfort, and wisdom in times of struggle and hardship? Are you teaching your children and grandchildren to love, trust, and believe in who Jesus is and what He did in love to rescue us? His love, grace, mercy, and teachings are worth seeking.

If you don’t know Jesus, ask God to reveal Himself to you. Read the book of John to get to know the Savior. Pray to Him and listen for His response. He desires a relationship with you. Seek Him, and you will find Him.

MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND PROTECT YOU. MAY THE LORD MAKE HIS FACE SHINE ON YOU AND BE GRACIOUS TO YOU. MAY THE LORD LOOK WITH FAVOR ON YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE. AMEN (NUMBERS 6:24-26 CSB)

Donna grew up in a Christian home and attended weekly church with her family. She and her husband, Keith, have been married for 38 years and together have a son. Donna loves singing, traveling, and spending vacations and holidays with her three grandchildren. She’s passionate about teaching and facilitates ladies’ Bible studies and small groups. Family is important to her, which is why Donna is delighted to write this Faith and Family column for Voice of Truth magazine.

THEY LOVED HIM AND DESIRED TO CARE FOR HIM EVEN AFTER HIS DEATH.