Seeking Jesus for the wrong reasons may seem like a mystery to believers, but not everyone seeks the Lord with pure motives in their hearts. In the story of the Wise Men, we see the true heart of King Herod as he interacts with them. Matthew 2:7 Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. 8 Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” [1]
As you reflect on King Herod’s words, he seems genuinely eager to worship the newborn King of the Jews, but it’s a ruse. God warned the Wise Men in a dream not to return to King Herod, for He knew what was in his heart. Matthew 2:16 Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance.[2]
We Can’t Deceive God
People often try to associate with those who are famous or influential. It’s usually not to help that person, but to benefit themselves because they have a connection. Unfortunately, people can pretend to be believers but are really wolves in sheep’s clothing. While we might deceive others, we will never deceive God. Jesus Himself gives insight.
Matthew 7:21“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ [3] I believe these verses serve as a warning because God does not want anyone to perish; rather, He wants everyone to seek Him and come to faith.
God is Seeking You!
Author Lee Strobel, once an atheist, initially studied the Bible to disprove it. His search for truth led him to believe in Jesus as his Savior. Today, many struggle with faith—questioning the Bible, life after death, and God’s existence. As we seek the Lord, He will reveal Himself as He promises.
Jeremiah 29:13If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.[4] Jesus gives us a promise as He summarizes His mission. 3:16 For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.[5]
If you want to take the next step of faith, follow the words from the Apostle Paul. Romans 10:9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.[6]
Are you seeking Jesus for the wrong reason? To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-gift-of-seeking
[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.