Simeon said, “Can I stay alive until I see him?”
The Magi said, “Saddle up the camels. We aren’t stopping until we find him.”
The shepherds said, “Let’s go…. Let’s see.”
They wanted the Savior. They wanted to see Jesus.
They were earnest in their search. One translation renders Hebrews 11:6: “God … rewards those who earnestly seek him” (NIV, italics mine).
Another reads: “God rewards those who search for him” (PHILLIPS, italics mine).
And another: “God … rewards those who sincerely look for him” (TLB, italics mine).
I like the King James translation: “He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (italics mine).
Diligently—what a great word. Be diligent in your search. Be hungry in your quest, relentless in your pilgrimage. Let this book be but one of the dozens you read about Jesus and this hour be but one of the hundreds in which you seek him. Step away from the puny pursuits of possessions and positions, and seek your king.
Just Like Jesus Don’t be satisfied with angels. Don’t be content with stars in the sky. Seek him out as the shepherds did. Long for him as Simeon did. Worship Him as the wise men did. Do as John and Andrew did: ask for his address. Do as Matthew: invite Jesus into your house. Imitate Zacchaeus. Risk whatever it takes to see Christ.
God rewards those who seek him. Not those who seek doctrine or religion or systems or creeds. Many settle for these lesser passions, but the reward goes to those who settle for nothing less than Jesus himself. And what is the reward? What awaits those who seek Jesus? Nothing short of the heart of Jesus. “And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him” (2 Cor. 3:18 TLB).
Can you think of a greater gift than to be like Jesus? Christ felt no guilt; God wants to banish yours. Jesus had no bad habits; God wants to remove yours. Jesus had no fear of death; God wants you to be fearless. Jesus had kindness for the diseased and mercy for the rebellious and courage for the challenges. God wants you to have the same.
He loves you just the way you are, but he refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus.
Copyright 1998, Max Lucado
