Wise Men Still Seek Him - 12/21/25 - Pastor Charlie Branch

Welcome to Meadows Baptist Church

[music] of Walnut Cove, North Carolina.

We're so glad you joined us today. If

you enjoy today's [music] message, be

sure to subscribe, follow, and share

with your friends. [music] Now, let's

join Pastor Charlie Branch with a word

from God.

[music]

Well, I appreciate that this singing

this morning. If you have a Bible, I

want you invite you to turn with me uh

to the Gospel of Matthew if you would

please. Gospel of Matthew, chapter

number two. You find your place you

would stand on reference to the reading

of God's word. Matthew's Gospel chapter

number two.

Matthew's Gospel chapter number two. I

want to begin reading verse number one.

Matthew chapter number two verse number

one. The Bible says, "Now when Jesus was

born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days

of Herod the king, behold, there came

wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

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."

When Herod the king had heard these

things, he was troubled, and all

Jerusalem with him. When he had gathered

all the chief priests and scribes of the

people together, he demanded of them

where Christ should be born. And they

said unto him, "In Bethlehem of Judea,

for thus it is written by the prophet,

and thou Bethlehem, in the land of

Judah, art not the least among the

princes of Judah, for out of these shall

come a governor that shall rule my

people Israel." Then Herod, when he had

privy called the wise men, he inquired

of them diligently what time the star

appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem,

and said, "Go and search diligently for

the young child. and when you have found

him, bring me word again that I may come

and worship him also." When they had

heard the king, they departed, and lo,

the star which they saw in the east went

before them, till it came and stood over

where the young child was. When they saw

the star, they rejoiced with exceeding

great joy. And when they were come into

the house, they saw the young child with

Mary's mother, and fell down and

worshiped him. When they had opened

their treasures, they presented unto him

gifts, gold, and frankincense and myrr.

Being warned of God in a dream that they

should not return to Herod, they

departed into their own country another

way. When they were departed, behold,

the angel of the Lord appearth 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. When he

arose, he took the young child and his

mother by night, and departed into

Egypt, and was there until the death of

Herod, that it might be fulfilled, which

was spoken of the Lord by the prophet,

saying, "Out of Egypt have I called my

son." Then Herod, when he saw that he

was mocked to the wise men, was

exceeding wroth, and sent forth and slew

all the children that were in Bethlehem,

and all the coast thereof from two years

old and under, according to the time

which he had diligently inquired of the

wise men. Now, Father, I ask you humbly

this morning. God, as we come before

you, Father, I desperately need your

help this morning as we come to the

preaching hour. And God, I pray, Father,

Lord, I know that we've come in in this

theme of Christmas, Lord, much on our

mind, on our heart today. And Lord, I

pray, Father, we would look beyond

Christmas trees and lights this morning.

and and Lord, the angels singing, God,

but that we would look beyond to see you

this morning, Lord, for that's what

these wise men desired to see. And God,

I pray, Father, this morning, you'd help

us all, Lord, to just see you this

morning high and lifted up. And God, I

know you came as a baby in a manger, but

Lord, you didn't stay there. And God, I

thank you for that. And Lord, I pray,

Father, this morning, if there's

somebody in this place lost and undone

without you, I pray today be the day of

salvation for them. God, I pray if

there's one out of the will of God, I

pray today, Father, you'd drawn back to

yourself. And God, I pray, Father, more

than anything, you'd get glory and honor

out of this service today. Lord, we lift

your name up. We exalt you. Thank you,

Father, for all that you've done, all

that you're going to do. But Lord, thank

you most of all for who you are. And

Lord, we ask you in Jesus name. Amen.

Thank you for standing. You can be

seated this morning.

And uh I want to look here in this text.

Consider

this account, this story this morning.

And I mentioned this on last week, I

believe it was, that I really love

Matthew's gospel. I love Matthew's

gospel, the way it was written. I love

what he's written about here. And and I

think it's something to me about the

portrayal of Christ as king. Because

from the beginning to the very last

chapter of Matthew's gospel, that is the

subject matter that's at hand. they he

is portraying or painting the picture of

Christ as king and everything that he

says has that purpose. Now we know that

all scripture a man portrays him as the

Messiah and as king. But when you

consider the gospels, Matthew's gospel

is really laid out in such a way that

view that is to vindicate Christ as the

Messiah to the Jew. He is pointing out

all the prophecies that are fulfilled.

He is pointing out the power of his

birth, the power of his life, his death

and resurrection, and showing them,

vindicating unto them, hey, that this

man really is the Messiah that David and

all the men of the Old Testament spoke

about. And when I consider this chapter,

I want to give you some thoughts here.

And I'll give you the the idea that the

Lord's put on my heart, the thought of

the message this morning. When I look at

this chapter, there's some things that

interest me. Number one, I would say

that the theme here is verse number one.

that first phrase now when Jesus was

born and so I would say the theme when

you consider this passage is the birth

of Jesus that that is the subject matter

that is that is being encompassed here

in this text he is giving us the events

here surrounding that and so there is

the Lord in verse number one and then

there is the land in verse number one

there's the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem

of Judea is mentioned in verse number

one this has to do with the house of

bread that Bethlehem that prophesied

place where our Lord would come and be

born of the Virgin Mary there in our

text. And so Bethlehem, this land plays

a special part. But I note also here in

this text, not only Jesus and Bethlehem,

but I consider the brokenness here

that's in this text. And you say, "What

do you mean, preacher?" Well, it's

really summed up by one phrase in verse

number one. The Bible says, "Now when

Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,

notice this, in the days of Herod the

king." Now you say, "Preacher, what does

that describe brokenness?" Well, this

describes the degradation of the house

of Israel to this point. Now, it's been

almost a thousand years since the days

of day, probably a little over that. I

don't have the exact time on my hand,

but I can say this, it's been many

years. And what's happened here is Herod

is an Edomite. You say, "What do you

mean an Edomite?" Well, were

the direct descendants of Esau. We know

that Jacob and Esau, Jacob was that

chosen one of God that was ordained to

bear the seed. He was the one that David

would come through. And he was the line

that Jesus would come through. And isn't

it interesting that Herod, that seed of

Esau, he's believed to be an Edomite.

The seed of Esau is now reigning on the

throne in Jerusalem. And that prophecy

that was given in numbers, I believe it

is or actually Genesis. Genesis spoke of

Judah, that the scepter would not depart

from Judah until Shiloh comes, speaking

of Christ. And so, no doubt here in this

text, the scepter has departed for an

Edomite, the arch enemies of Israel, is

reigning on the throne over Jerusalem.

And so, Jerusalem is broken in this

text. But I consider also this in verse

number one. Not only Jesus the birth and

Bethlehem, the brokenness of Jerusalem.

But I also consider this band, this band

of men journeying. In verse number one,

the Bible says, "Behold, there came wise

men from the east to Jerusalem." Now,

what's interesting to me about this, and

this may not be interesting to you, but

I it is to me. I I find three

ethnicities of people in verse number

one. you you'll find Herod that's

mentioned of the those that

were wicked, the outsiders who had

infiltrated the land of Israel. And then

there's Jesus, of course, Joseph being

his earthly guardian, he was the one

that was rightful to reign on the throne

of his father David, him and Mary and be

Mary being in the lineage of the king's

seed. And so there is Jacob's children

and there's Esau's children, the

Israelites and the And then

this other crowd shows up in verse

number one. These wise men of the east.

Now what does that

one

the

east of Jerusalem and the

Jerusalem

here in the text of

all the together in one place? What is

happening is this one all of them

together.

The truth is this Christmas season

brings together who otherwise would

together. And when I look at this text

really you could consider

this as a people and and say a lot about

mourn and Jesus is the center point.

Amen. There was some that wanted him and

there was some that didn't. Amen. And

let me say this to you this morning this

holiday season. If I could offer

anything to you as a word of advice, let

you be the one that shines Jesus to

those that want him and to those that

don't want him. Amen. And I notice in

this text, I've said all of that to say

this. Considering these wise men that on

their journey in verse number two, look

what your Bible says. They came from the

east of Jerusalem, 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." And I want to

preach on this thought for just a little

while this morning with the help of the

Lord on wise men still seek him. Amen.

Wise men still seek him. Now, I know

that's an old phrase, probably a little

bit of a cliche, but the truth is it's

right. Amen. If you are going to be

wise, amen, you will be found seeking

him, serving him, and staying with him.

Amen. It's just like Jesus told Martha

when Mary came to sit at his feet. She's

chosen that good part which shall not be

taken away from her. And we all ought to

desire to see him and serve him and stay

with him. Amen. This morning, and so I

want to consider some thoughts here.

Notice this in our text. Number one,

their declaration in verse two, the

Bible says they're saying, "Where is he

that is born king of the Jews?" Now,

number one, you would say this

declaration revealed a location that

they desired. They said, "Where is he?"

Now, we know Jesus here has been born

according to verse number one, when

Jesus was born. And so, the fact is

given of that. But in verse number two,

they have come looking for him, desiring

a location. They're desiring this lad in

verse number two. Where is he that is

born, recently born, this young child?

And they're not only desiring the

location of this lad, but they're

desiring the location of their Lord.

Amen. Look what he says. Where is he

that is born king of the Jews. Amen.

Hey, these boys had something those in

Jerusalem did not have. And let me just

say this to you this morning. Just

because somebody names the name or is in

a place does not mean that they know

Jesus. Amen. Just because you're in the

house of God this morning does not mean

that you know Jesus. Amen. And in this

text, they come to the place where Jesus

should have been well known. But isn't

it interesting? Nobody seemed to know

where he was at. But them boys that had

traveled a long way. They had made it on

this far led by a star to find Jesus.

And so their declaration was of the fact

they knew that he who he was, but they

just wanted to be where he was at. Amen.

I'm telling you this morning, I'm glad I

know who he is. Amen. But just like

those wise men, I just want to be where

he's at. Amen. Hallelujah. Bless his

name. Amen. What I'm saying this morning

is that they wanted to see Jesus. Amen.

>> And so their declaration declares that

they desired to find the Lord. Amen. Now

notice not only their declaration, but

notice their discernment in verse two.

Where is he that is born king of the

Jews? For we have seen his star in the

east. Now I know this morning these magi

are often recorded as in history as

being three men. They're often recorded

as being soothsayers and and there some

say that they were kings. Some say that

they were uh soothsayers, magi,

magicians, whatever you want to call it.

But I will say this, God had told them

where this boy was at.

>> Amen. And they've come this far and they

had discernment enough to know that that

star was different than every other star

that they had seen. It was his star.

Amen. You say, "Preacher, how do you

know that they was right about it?"

Well, they come to town and what did

they find? That yes, there was a king

born. Amen. And so, they obviously had

some discernment. What was their

discernment about? Well, they discerned

his person. Notice it in verse number

two. For we have seen what? His star.

Amen. Hey, they recognized that it

wasn't just anybody. Amen. But it was

the Messiah. Amen. It was Jesus. They

discerned his person. But I would say

this, they'd also discerned his

prophecy. The fact of the matter is this

star was a representation that the

Messiah would come. It was prophesied

that this star would appear and and Old

Testament prophecy it was given that

this star would show up. Numbers 24 and

verse number 17 and Isaiah chapter 60

Isaiah 60 · chapter mention

and verse number three. His star would

show up. And so they were discerning his

person and discerning his prophecy. But

isn't it interesting? They also

discerned his place. You're

>> right. Where'd they come to? They come

to Jerusalem. Amen.

>> Because the king of the Jews would be

born. Amen. In Jerusalem. Amen.

>> You say, "Preacher, what's all that got

to do with anything?"

>> Well, these boys is heading the right

direction, aren't they?

>> Amen. Let me ask you something. What

direction are you headed in?

>> Amen. You say, "Preacher, well, I'm at

the house of God." Well, that's step

one. Amen.

>> Amen.

>> Amen. Step two is where's your desire

at? Amen. Yes.

>> I notice in this text, not only their

declaration and their discernment, the

teaching of past truth led them to this

place. And at this time, and I'll say

this, many have said, speculated that it

could have been possible these men were

descendants of those magi that Daniel

taught in the book of Daniel. those

those 120 princes that were under him,

those magi, those uh those uh magicians

that were under Daniel in the book, they

said that it could been possible that

Daniel taught them the prophecies of the

Messiah, and they've passed it down from

generation to generation to this point

in time, and now they have received this

and come under there. I don't know about

all that, but I do know this. God

brought them there. Amen. And God's

brought them to this place. And so, we

consider their declaration and their

discernment. But notice their desire in

verse two. We have seen his star in the

east. Notice this. And are come to

worship him.

>> Amen.

>> Come to worship him. Now, I'll say this

this morning. They didn't come out of

obligation.

>> Amen.

>> They didn't come with any ulterior

motive.

>> Yes.

>> But they came in adoration of the Lord

Jesus Christ, the one that they'd never

seen.

>> Amen.

>> But they loved. The one they'd never

laid their eyes upon, but they knew he

was real.

>> Yes.

>> Don't that sound like somebody else?

Amen.

>> Hey, I ain't never seen him.

>> Amen. I've never laid my eyes on him

physically, but boy, I'm glad. Amen. For

the leadership. Amen. Somewhere.

Hallelujah. Somewhere up in the skies.

Amen. THEY SAW THAT STAR. WELL, I TELL

YOU WHAT, there's been a star leading

me. Amen. But he's not in the sky. He's

in my soul. Amen. The spirit of God been

leading me. AND ONE OF THESE DAYS I'LL

GET to the land where Jesus is AND BE IN

THE PLACE AND see in THE PERSON AND FEEL

THE PRESENCE RIGHT THERE WHERE HE IS

BECAUSE MY DESIRE IS TO WORSHIP HIM.

AMEN. HALLELUJAH. I noticed their

desire. It was a passionate desire.

These men traveled thousands of miles to

see Jesus. Their passion was not without

purpose. They'd come to worship him. And

I notice also not only there the purpose

but it was praise for who he is. We are

come to worship him. You see when they

came to Jesus Jesus had done nothing

>> as of yet to deserve their praise. He

was just a baby in a manger.

>> But you see they wasn't praising what he

had done.

>> Amen. They were just praising who he

was. Amen. Hey, they knew who he was and

before he'd ever done anything.

Hallelujah. They were JUST GOING TO

PRAISE him for who he was. Amen. HEY,

YOU KNOW THAT'S WHY WE'RE HERE THIS

MORNING. WE'RE NOT HERE TO PRAISE HIM

JUST FOR WHAT HE'S DONE. AND HASN'T HE

DONE SO MUCH FOR US? AMEN. HE DAILY

LOADTH US WITH BENEFITS. AMEN. MY CUP

RUNTH OVER THIS MORNING. GOODNESS AND

MERCY BEEN FOLLOWING ME all the days of

my life. Amen. HE'S BEEN BETTER THAN

GOOD TO ME. OH, BUT HE'S WORTHY OF MY

PRAISE. NOT BECAUSE OF WHAT HE DOES, BUT

I'LL SAY THIS. HE'S WORTHY OF MY PRAISE

BECAUSE OF WHO HE IS. AMEN. and that

alone this morning. And I notice what

brought them to this place.

You see in this text, Herod has become

along with all Israel. Verse three, when

Herod the king had heard these things,

he was troubled. And not only Herod, but

all Jerusalem was troubled. Notice that

in verse three, that reveals the

spiritual climate of the day in which

they were living in. Let me just say

this to you this morning. There was a

day in this country when preachers

preached that the Lord was coming back

that people were troubled. All

>> right.

>> Amen.

>> But I submit to you, we've come to this

day in America and our country and it

seems as people are not troubled

anymore.

>> Right?

>> You know what? When Jesus got to the

cross, he was getting near the end. They

weren't nobody scared about his death,

was they? His disciples had left him

behind. They weren't nobody scared. But

when he came at first, you know what?

They were real troubled. We're getting

close to the end of this thing, folks.

>> Amen. What I'm saying is they are

troubled. Why? Because of their sinful

state. The lack of spirituality among

Jerusalem has caused them to be fearful.

Why? Because the king is coming. And

they know that when the king comes,

judgment begins where? At the house of

God. That's

>> right.

>> Jerusalem there. It would begin there.

And of course, we know that Herod was a

wicked man. And I ain't going to preach

all of that this morning, but I I want

to give you some truths concerning these

wise men. See, what is it that brought

them to this place?

Well, I would say four things this

morning concerning this text that

brought them to Jesus in our text.

Number one, I would say first of all,

it's the light of the star that brought

them to Jesus. In verse number two, they

said, "Where is he that's born king of

the Jews? for we have seen his star in

the east. You see these men, wherever

country they were from, they were living

their life watching.

They were living their life waiting. And

they were living their life willing. And

I'll say more about that in just a

minute. But you see, the light of this

star caused them to take a journey. And

it was the light of this star that led

them to Jerusalem. Why was it? Because

this star's light was specific. Let me

say this to you this morning. The light

of that star is still specific.

>> Amen.

>> Amen. You come to this book and you come

to the house of bread. Amen. Just like

these boys did. Amen. You're going to

get the same Jesus.

>> Amen. That every generation has got down

through the ages. This blessed Bible.

It's a specific light. Amen.

>> And this star, it showed them the place

where Jesus would lay. And so they take

this journey because of the light of

this star. But it also didn't cause it

only cause them to take a journey, but

it brought them joining. In verse number

nine, look what the Bible says. When

they had heard the king, they departed.

And lo, the star which they saw in the

east went before them. Notice this, till

it came and stood over where the young

child was. You see, this star brought

them to Jerusalem. And there upon the

streets of Jerusalem, the Bible

literally says there in the text that

they ask, "Where is he that's born king

of the Jews?" And that word saying there

in verse two means that they were

literally asking everybody that they

came across. They were walking around

every individual. They didn't go to

Herod's palace, but they were walking

around through the streets of Jerusalem.

Hey, where is he? Where's the Messiah?

Where's the king at? We've heard that

he's been born. Where is he at? And you

know what? The stars brought them to

Jerusalem. And when they realized that

nobody knew where he was at, isn't that

interesting? They come down to the house

of God and nobody knew where Jesus was

at. Amen. You want to know what that is?

That's a description of the church in

the last days. AMEN. SINNERS WALK INTO

the average church all across THIS

COUNTRY AND NOBODY CAN FIND JESUS.

NOBODY KNOWS WHERE JESUS IS. We've got

transvestites in the pull pit AND

HOMOSEXUALS IN THE IN THE CONGREGATION

AND NOBODY KNOWS WHERE JESUS IS. WHY?

BECAUSE HE LEFT A LONG TIME AGO. AMEN.

>> Don't know how I got off on all that,

but the truth is, Amen. That's the way

it is,

>> right?

>> Well, I'm thankful. Amen. And we know

where he is.

>> And the star didn't only lead them to

the house of God in Jerusalem, but it

led them to the house of bread.

>> Amen.

>> In Bethlehem after that they had

departed from the king. The star

reappeared and it led them directly. The

Bible says that it went before them.

Literally almost saying that it walked

with them. Amen. You say, "Preacher,

what's that talking about?" Well, I'll

say this. It's talking about really

types the spirit of God. Amen. He will

lead you to the place where you can get

some bread. Amen. And so he brings them

down to Bethlehem, but not only to

Bethlehem, but he brings them to the

very house. In verse number 10, when

they saw the star, they rejoiced with

exceeding great joy. And in verse 11,

and when they were come into the house,

>> Amen.

>> That star, it didn't just lead him to

Jerusalem. It didn't only just lead him

to Bethlehem, but it took him to the

exact spot.

>> Amen.

>> Where Jesus was.

>> Right?

>> You say, "Preacher, what do you mean?"

It brought joining.

>> Amen. The light of that star still

brings joining.

>> Amen.

>> The spirit of God, the preaching of the

word of God will bring you into a

journey. It'll bring joining. But I'll

say this, it'll bring joy. Look what the

Bible said in verse 10. When they saw

the star, they rejoiced with exceeding

great joy. You see, it was the light of

that star that caused them to take the

journey.

>> Right?

>> But it was also the light of that star

that when they got to their destination,

you know what happened? They rejoiced.

>> Amen.

>> Amen. Y'all don't have to read between

the lines too much on that. Amen.

>> You know what? It's the light of the

star. It's going to lead us all through

this life. You're

>> right.

>> Amen. And we get to where he's at. It's

that light.

>> Amen.

>> That same light that showed us we was

lost and started us on our journey.

Amen. When we get home, you know what

we're going to do? We're going to

rejoice because that same light that

started with us is the same light that

stayed with us. And it's the same light

that'll STILL BE SHINING FOR US WHEN WE

GET TO THE END OF THIS THING. AMEN.

>> I consider the light of the star, but

you also notice there was all there was

something else they had to hear before

they could experience this joy from the

star. Notice not only the light of the

star, but consider second of all the

leading of the scriptures. You see in

our text, Herod, they've come to Herod.

They've they've asked the question.

Somehow or another, it's gotten around

to Herod, but Herod calls them to

himself in verse number seven. But they

he's gathered all the chief priests and

scribes together. In verse four, they he

asked of him where Christ should be

born. And they tell him in verse number

five, they give him that location, the

place Bethlehem of Judea. In verse

number five, they tell him of the

prophet. He says, "For thus it is

written by the prophet." Micah chapter 5

Micah 5 · chapter mention

and verse number two gives this

prophecy. And then there's the prophecy

that he tells them of. Verse six. And

thou Bethlehem in the land of Judah, art

not the least among the princes of

Judah. For out of thee shall come a

governor that shall rule my people

Israel. And it was the leading of the

scriptures that caused them to continue.

You say, "Preacher, how is this?" Well,

let me just give this to you for a

second here. You see, these wise men

didn't have this on hand,

>> right?

>> But these chief priests and scribes did.

>> And so, you know what? God took that

wicked king Herod. They followed that

star all the way to Jerusalem. Herod's

got wind of it and out of fear, he goes

to the chief priest and he inquires of

the word of God and they tell him, "All

right, this is where he's going to be

born." And then Herod goes back to him

in verse number seven. Then Herod, when

he had prevently called the wise men,

inquired of them diligently what time

the star appeared. And notice verse

number eight, and he sent them to

Bethlehem. Now, isn't that interesting?

These boys got to Jerusalem and say,

"Well, we're looking for him. We don't

know where he's at." But God uses the

one that was going to try to kill him.

>> That's right.

>> To send these men to his very house.

>> Yeah.

>> And God can take the word of God

>> through any means by which he desires

to.

>> Right.

>> God spoke to Moses through a burning

bush,

>> to Balum through that donkey. God can

speak to you and I through just about

anything,

>> right? But it's his word that will lead

us to where Jesus is. Amen. I'll say

this this morning. I the leading of the

scriptures, it calls them to continue to

see the light of the star. You see, if

they had never heard this scripture,

they would have never continued. Let me

tell you this. The light of the star in

this life, it'll get you along down

life's road. But you know what? There's

going to be days when you going to have

to have the scripture.

>> You're right.

>> Cuz you know what? There's days of

darkness.

>> You're right. There's days where the

light don't seem to shine. I know this

is super simple this morning. This just

what God put on the heart.

>> There's days where it's dark and the

light doesn't shine. I'll tell you this.

You need something that'll shine in the

darkness. Amen. Peter said we have a

more assured word of prophecy. Said that

you do well that you take heed as a

light that shineth into a dark place

>> for the darkness of life. When the star

quit shining, there is the scripture

that would lead them. But I'm thankful

after they were faithful to obey the

scriptures. You know what? The star kept

shining.

>> Right?

>> Amen. Notice verse number nine. And when

they had depart, when they heard the

king, they departed and lo the star

which they saw in the east went before

them. So they obeyed the scripture and

the star reappeared. And you say,

"Preacher, what does all this have to do

with anything? What is it special about

them seeking Jesus?" Well, they sought

him because of the light of this star.

And they sought him because of the

leading of the scriptures. But I'll tell

you why they sought him. They sought him

because they loved him.

>> Amen.

>> Amen. Notice the text, verse number 10,

11, and 12. When they saw the star, they

rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Hey,

they weren't rejoicing just because of

that star shining. They were rejoicing

because of what that star's light was

shining on. Amen. They know that THAT

STAR WAS HIS STAR. And wherever it was,

he was going to be. Oh, friend, hear me

this morning. When the star shines, you

just know it ain't about the light of

the star, but it's about the Lord WHO

THAT STAR'S SHINING ON. AMEN. HEY,

that's what we DO EVERY TIME WE TRY TO

PREACH THE WORD OF GOD AS WE TRY TO

SHINE THE LIGHT ON JESUS CHRIST SO YOU

CAN SEE HIM. GOD, HELP US TO HIDE BEHIND

THE CROSS IN THESE DAYS SO THAT A LOST

AND DYING WORLD COULD SEE HIM WHO'S

invisible and be saved. Amen.

>> They desired to see him because they

loved him. They praised him in verse 11.

They fell down and worshiped him. They

presented him gifts, gold, frankincense,

and myrr. They also not only presented

him gifts, but they protected him. You

say, "How did they protect him,

preacher?" In verse 12, they were warned

of God in a dream that they should not

return to Herod. The Bible says they

departed into their own country another

way. Just another time. It shows that

they loved him.

>> Right?

>> You see, they could have feared the

king's commandment and went and told him

where he was at.

>> But you know what? Their love for Jesus

was greater.

>> Amen.

>> You say, "What do you mean, preacher?"

Well, I'm saying they sought him because

they loved him.

Let me ask you this morning. Do you love

him?

>> Amen.

>> Do you love him?

>> You say, "Preacher, what does all this

mean?" Well, I'll say this. It really

comes down to this. You know the reason

why they saw him? They saw him because

the light showed them the way. They saw

him because the leading of the

scriptures filled in the gaps or they

didn't understand. They they they saw

him because they loved him. And I'll say

this, and this is so practical and so

simple, it almost makes me sick, but

it's the truth. You know why they saw

him? because they were looking for him.

>> You're right.

>> Come on.

>> And thus the title, wise men still seek

him.

>> You know what? If you're seeking him,

you going to be looking.

>> You're right.

>> Amen. I feel like the church in this day

and time is walking around with their

eyes closed.

>> You're right.

>> Amen. We just We see everything that's

wrong. We see everything that's bad. We

see everything that's not right and

messed up. Amen. And misfits. LET ME ASK

YOU, WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU SAW

SOMETHING that was right?

>> Amen.

>> Let me say this to you. There's a lot

more that's right with the church than

there is that's wrong. Somebody say,

"Amen." HEY, I'M TALKING ABOUT WE STILL

GOT A KING JAMES BIBLE. WE'RE STILL

PREACHING THE GOSPEL. WE'RE STILL

SINGING THE OLD SONGS AND TRYING OUR

BEST TO LIVE A HOLY LIFE AND WALK WITH

GOD. I'M SAYING THERE'S A LOT LESS WRONG

THAN THERE IS RIGHT. AMEN. GOD HAS BEEN

GOOD to us. Amen.

>> And what does this text tell us? They

were looking. Notice verse two. Where

did it all begin? Verse two. Where is he

that is born king of the Jews? For we

have seen.

We have seen. You know the reason why

you don't see Jesus is because you're

not looking.

>> Right.

>> You're not looking. You see, they were

watching. You say, "Preacher, how is

it?" Well, let me ask you this. Herod

and all Israel couldn't find him.

>> Yeah, you're right.

Israel didn't know where he was. They

didn't come to his birth and crown him

king. The only ones that came were the

shepherds, amen, at his birth. And then

some two years later, these wise men

show up and they've come here to give

these gifts to Jesus. But you don't hear

of anybody else other than Elizabeth and

the immediate family. And then later on

in chapter 3 and four, John the Baptist

shows up and says, "BEHOLD THE LAMB OF

GOD WHICH TAKETH AWAY THE SINS OF THE

WORLD." BUT NOBODY COULD FIND HIM. WHY

IS THAT? They weren't looking for it.

>> You're right.

>> You say, "Preacher, but Herod sent his

sent his men out there to find him and

they killed all the babies that were

under two." You understand, FRIEND? THEY

WEREN'T looking for Jesus. You say,

"Preacher, but they were they wanted to

kill him." Oh, yeah. They weren't

looking for him physically.

>> You're right.

>> But here's the truth about it.

>> Come on.

>> Jesus only reveals himself to people

that want to see him.

>> Right.

There were people that were looking for

him, but they didn't love him.

>> You're right.

>> You know what a lot of people's problem

in church in this day and time is?

>> Come on.

>> They're looking for Jesus to get

something from him.

>> Amen.

>> But they don't love him.

>> Amen.

>> Think about this with me. Herod and all

Israel couldn't find him. It's because

they couldn't receive him.

>> You're right.

>> Amen. Jesus said, John said it himself

of Jesus said he came unto his own and

his own received him not. You think

about this. When they heard about that

star, then them them magi walked through

the streets of Jerusalem talking about

this star. And and isn't it interesting

that never once none of those men do you

see recorded do they ask the magi,

"Well, when are you going to see it

again? And how can we go with you?"

>> Right?

>> Why didn't Herod ask HIM, "HEY, WHERE'S

THAT THING SHINING AT? We want to GO

WITH YOU AND FOLLOW YOU. WE WANT TO SEE

HIM, TOO. But the truth is, they didn't

want to.

>> You're right.

>> The Jews didn't want to see him. Herod

didn't want to see him. Why? BECAUSE

THEY DIDN'T LOVE HIM. They were not

looking for him. They But these

servants, Amen. these magi, they were

watching. Verse two, we have seen.

They were waiting. They were watching.

But I'll say this, they were willing.

>> Right?

>> Verse number 11, notice it again. And

when they were coming to the house,

some writers say that this is some two

years journey that these men take. I

ain't got no way to verify that, but I

know it's hundreds of hundreds of miles

that these men have traveled. And

they've come all the way and the star

has led them to Bethlehem.

And they walk into the house. Why is

that? Because they made a decision back

in the east.

>> Oh, I wish somebody hook up with me.

They made a decision back over there in

the east when all they saw was that

star.

[clears throat]

>> Anybody, anybody yanking up with that,

this yoking up with that?

>> They made a decision back there in the

east when all they saw was the star,

they said this, that's his star.

>> Amen.

>> Put your walking shoes on, boys.

>> Amen.

>> Why is that? They were willing.

>> You're right.

>> They were willing. You say, "Preacher,

what's the truth of this this morning?"

Well, I said the title is this. wise men

still seek him. I I thought about this.

This verse came to my mind immediately

about this text and I know we've been

sort of scattered this morning. I

believe this is what God had for us

today. Acts 17,

Paul was preaching to those men of

Athens on Mars Hill. And he made one of

the most profound, probably one of the

most profound sermons in history. He

preached to these men. But one of the

most profound statements he makes in

verse 27 of Acts 17. He says this, put

it in your margin. The Bible says that.

Notice verse 26. Let's read it here. And

hath made of one blood all nations of

men for to dwell on all the face of the

earth. And hath determined the times

before appointed in the bounds of their

habitation. Now, isn't that interesting?

I was just telling you about them three

groups of people.

>> Herod's crowd and the Israel, Jesus

family, and then these magi that come

in. And what does Paul say?

He hath made of one blood all nations of

men for to dwell on all the face of the

earth and hath determined the times

before appointing the bounds of their

habitation. Verse 27 that they should

seek the Lord if happily they might feel

after him and find him. Oh, listen to

this. Though he be not far from every

one of us.

>> That's right. Right.

>> You know what? Them wise men traveled a

long ways physically.

But you know what? When they took that

step to leave, you know what? They was

one that accompanied them all the way.

>> That's right.

>> You know, from the moment you got saved,

heaven feels like a million miles away

physically, doesn't it?

>> Right.

>> But I'll tell you this, in the spirit of

God, there's been somebody walking with

you.

>> From the day that you decided,

>> you're right.

>> And you know what? One of these days,

you're going to step foot in Jesus

house. You're

>> right. Amen.

>> Notice it again. Verse 11. And when they

were coming to the house, they saw the

young child with Mary his mother, and

fell down and worshiped him. And when

they had opened their treasures, they

presented unto him gifts, gold, and

frankincense and myrr. You know what?

One of these days when we get to his

house,

>> right?

>> You know what we going to do?

>> We going to present what he's given to

us in this life,

>> right?

>> Lay it all at his feet.

>> Amen.

>> You know what we'll do? We'll bow his

feet.

>> Yes. and worship him.

>> Amen.

>> Because you know what? He started with

us. He stayed with us.

>> You're right.

>> And he delivered us,

>> right?

>> Brought us into his house.

>> And you know what? These wise men left

his house on this earth. But I'll tell

you what, we'll never leave his house

over there. Amen.

>> I say, bless his name.

>> I don't know about you, but I'm going to

just keep on seeking him. Amen. Not

because I need to be saved again, but

because he saved me way back yonder. And

I'm just going to keep on following him

and serving him and seeking him. Why?

Because I know if I'll stay with him,

I'll never go wrong. AMEN. HEY, THE

LIGHT MIGHT GO OUT FOR A LITTLE WHILE

EVERY NOW AND AGAIN, BUT THANK GOD I'VE

GOT THIS BLESSED BIBLE TO KEEP ME IN THE

DARK TIMES. AMEN. AND WHEN IT'S ALL SAID

and done, I'LL END UP AT HIS HOUSE ON

THE SUNNY BANKS OF SWEET DELIVERANCE.

NEVER MORE TO WORRY ABOUT SIN STRIFE.

HEY, THERE'LL NEVER BE NO MORE DANGER OF

JESUS. HEY, HE'S GOING TO WIPE OUT ALL

THE ENEMIES. AMEN. But ain't nobody

going to be trying to take his life over

there. Amen.

>> Right. That's right.

>> We'll be safe in his arms.

>> Amen.

>> Instead of us beholding a baby, we'll

behold a lamb.

>> That's right.

>> As it had been slain. Amen.

>> Amen.

>> Let me ask you this morning,

>> will you seek him?

>> Because wise men still seek him.

>> Amen. Every head bowed and every eye

closed this morning.

>> I'll say this to you today.

Jesus

is the best thing

that has ever happened to any of us.

>> He is the greatest

blessing that you and I had. You say,

"Preacher, I just do not feel blessed."

Let me say this to you this morning. If

you have Jesus,

you have more

than the richest

of rich men. You have more wealth

than the most renowned men of this

world.

[music] We've been made hes and joint

hes

with Jesus Christ. And when those magi

looked on him that day,

it's like I told you, they didn't come

for what he could do for them. Cuz that

little baby didn't have much to offer

them.

But you know what? They knew who he was.

They knew he was Lord.

And they knew that just down the road,

some 30 years later,

he would give his life so that they

could be saved.

I didn't preach about it, but those go

that gold frankincense and myrr, they

were representing

that he was a king,

that he was a sacrifice,

and that he was a savior. [music]

And they pointed out his deity,

incarnate God in flesh,

there for Mary and Joseph to see.

And isn't it wonderful that God left

Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem just long

enough so that they could get there and

see him?

>> Yes.

>> Let me say this. I'm telling you, this

is helping me this morning.

>> Amen.

>> You know what? But until the last soul

gets saved,

>> the gospel, Jesus will still be in

Bethlehem. You're

>> right.

>> Till the last ones lays their eyes on

HIM BY FAITH AND TRUST HIM, Jesus will

stay.

>> Amen. Right.

>> Father, thank you so much

for the privilege that we have

to trust in you, to seek you, to serve

you, to know you.

Lord, [clears throat] I thank you for

the precious truths of this scripture

that teach us, Father, we can know

that we've been with you.

Lord, the light of that star will lead

us on. And Lord, I know it's not a

physical star, not something that we can

physically see, but the spirit of God

living on the inside,

illuminates our heart

gives us direction.

And Lord, for every day that it feels

dark and gloomy,

when everything feels wrong, we don't

know which way to go, I'm thankful that

your word is still there

that we can go to in those dark times.

And Lord, I pray, Father, for every

heart that's here this morning. I pray

nobody leave this service lost this

morning.

And God, for the rest of us, I pray we'd

rest in the light,

knowing, Father, that we're headed to

your house.

I want to ask you this this morning just

before we close this service.

Are you saved?

Do you know the Lord?

I never do this, but I want to just ask

you if you're saved, could you just

raise your hand and testify that this

morning? Preacher, I'm saved.

Saved, you know you're saved.

Amen. [music] You can put them back

down.

I'll say this to you this morning. If

you're here in this place and you are

not saved,

you can be saved today.

You can be saved today. You say,

"Preacher, [music]

would you pray for me? I know I'm not

saved. I need to be saved." Preacher,

anybody like that? Just slip your hand

up right back down. I want to pray for

[music] you. Anybody be honest? You

couldn't raise your hand this morning

that you're saved.

Would you be honest enough to slip it up

and say, "Preacher, I'm lost."

Anybody? [music]

Let me say this to you. Maybe you are

saved,

but you just feel like you're walking

through the dark time [music]

these holidays seasons of the year.

Often times the hardest things that

you'll go through in life just because

sometimes you'll sit there at a table

and there'll be an empty chair.

There'll be a

seemingly open place in your heart

because

those that you are around are not there

anymore.

Let me say this to you. Jesus will be

whatever you need.

He's been a father. He's been a mother.

He's been a friend, a sister, a brother.

And I can promise you there's some folk

in here that'll tell you when everybody

else is gone.

>> Yes.

>> I'll tell you he'll be there.

>> Right.

>> He will not leave you. He will not

forsake you.

And I want you this morning just allow

that place in your life that seems

empty, let Jesus fill that up.

Don't let regrets

and remorse,

don't let wishing something was

different fill it up. Let Jesus fill it

up. Cuz here's what'll happen. The devil

want to fill that place up in your life

and he'll make you bitter. But I'll tell

you this, you let Jesus fill that place

up in your life, you know what? It'll be

blessing,

>> right?

It'll be a place of bliss

because he can do that. Father, thank

you so much.

Thank you so much, God, that

Lord, you're not in that manger anymore.

You're not in Bethlehem. You're not even

on the cross anymore. But Lord, you're

in heaven.

And Lord, for these your children here

this morning that are hurting,

God, you're praying for them.

You told Simon Peter that you were

praying for him. And your word tells us

that you ever live to make intercession

for us.

And Lord, that you love us even more

than we could even imagine ourselves.

God, I pray through these days, Lord,

this season, Father, I know it's hard

for many. I pray, God, that you would

help us to rest in you. But Lord, I

pray, Father, even more than just

resting. I pray that we would go beyond

resting to rejoicing,

>> rejoicing, God, because you have given

us so much. And I bless your holy name

for it. Lord, I thank you for this

service today. I thank you for the sweet

spirit that we've had here in the house

of God. And I pray you'll go with us

now. We ask it in Jesus name. And God's

children said,

>> "Amen."

>> Amen.

>> Thank you for joining our service today.

We'd love it if [music] you join us in

person the next time you are able at

Meadows Baptist Church. Our physical

address is 2988

Stewart Road in Walnut Cove, North

Carolina. Our service times are Sunday

school [music] at 10:00 a.m., Sunday

morning worship at 11:00 a.m., Sunday

evening worship at [music] 6:00 p.m. and

Wednesday evening Bible study at 700

p.m. For more information, visit us at

[music] meadowsbaptisturch.com.

Thanks again for tuning in.