Do You See What I See?

One Reason Why Some Can’t See Evidence for God

by Sally Fam, contributing writer

Christmas is a special time of the year. The music, the lights, the life, the colors, its buzz of activity all suddenly shine in the middle of a dark winter. As I was driving by one night, my eyes were just dazzled by that beauty. Then, when I got home, far away from all the lights and the glimmer of the city, as I closed the door, I saw it—Venus shining brightly, alone in the night sky.

I hadn’t missed it.

A long time ago, others were looking attentively at the sky. These were considered the brightest men. They were the king’s counselors, the top consultants in a kingdom, like the “Harvard graduates” of their day (see Daniel 1:20 for a description of the Magi). They were not desperate; they did not need a crutch, as some scoffers sometime describe those who believe in God. They were busy and successful men. But they had to pause and understand what that new star signified.

The Star of Bethlehem

Perhaps, they had scrolls of old prophecies buried in their libraries that they had to blow some dust away to search for an answer. Perhaps, they were familiar with Old Testament passages pointing to the Star and the Scepter rising from Jacob. Perhaps, they were familiar with Daniel’s prophecies (Daniel 9). One thing for sure is that they looked for the signs and followed the evidence wherever it led them. They saw a star and concluded that a great king was born. 

Now, that is not a blind leap of faith. Who in their right mind decides to travel following a random celestial phenomenon unless they knew what that phenomenon meant? They acted according to their knowledge, not just by following a star wherever it took them, but by also preparing themselves to meet the king. They took their conclusions quite seriously and acted on them.

A skeptic doesn’t care about the Magi. Some even think that Jesus never existed. But it is of vital importance to us all that we know why we believe what we believe. Have you investigated the evidence? Many times, our busy lives don’t allow us to examine our beliefs. We’re rushing around from one event to another and are simply are too busy for theoretical questions. Anyway, if you think what you believe “works,” why bother stirring up the pot? But please don’t allow convenience, stress, or any other circumstances, to blur the way that guides you to the truth, the real King!

Practical Application

Maybe you’re a believer and you’re not sure what to make of the Magi story. “How is this story relevant to me today?” you may wonder. Like all of God’s Word, there are practical applications that can be applied to our lives today. 

First, the magi acted on their belief that the star was a sign because they knew it to be true. Do we live a life that reflects what we believe? 

Second, to act upon a belief, we need to know that it is true. If I profess the belief that the Bible is the Word of God, do I know why it so? We could know that by experience, by investigating the evidence, or both. Otherwise, we block the power of our testimony to nonbelievers when we don’t know why God’s Word is verifiable and a credible source of truth.

One Reason Why Some Can’t See Evidence for God

For all of us, God sees our hearts. He knows who wants to find Him; He will give us clues along the way. The Magi initially ended up in the wrong place, at Herod’s palace. They asked for the King and were guided to Him by those who turned out to be the King’s enemies. God certainly is creative in reaching out to us and guiding us through, sometimes, very unlikely ways. 

If you seek Him with all your heart, and mind, then… 

you will see what I see,

a child yet a king,

swaddled helplessly.

A baby who will bring

salvation and liberty.

Merry Christmas!


18 Comments

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