thrive community

This Christmas holiday has been very busy and fast paced for me this year. With a little down time this Christmas night, I’m reminded of the narrative in the bible where the Wise Men (or Magi) that came to worship Jesus, the Christ child (Matt. 2:1-12).

These men got to see Jesus face to face. What an incredible blessing and honor to witness the Messiah first hand. Many believe that these men left this encounter with an even greater trust and passion to worship God and be a witness to the coming of his Son, Jesus, the promised Messiah.

I’m also reminded that the vast majority of Christ Followers have never seen Jesus in the flesh. Our hearts have experienced his presence and work but we have yet to witness him with our eyes (Matt. 5:8). But maybe there is something more to understanding the reality of Jesus. Not just because we have seen him with our eyes but because we have experienced him in our hearts. Jesus said that many people had seen him but still did not believe (John 6:36). It’s not just our physical eyes that have to be illuminated. The eyes of our hearts must be opened in order to believe. 

I have been a Christ Follower for almost twenty years now. There have been numerous times where I have seen the evidence of God at work that has strengthened my faith. One day I know I will see Jesus face to face, much like the encounter of the Wise Men. But until that day comes, I pray that God will illuminate the eyes of my heart that my belief in him will grow more and more every day.

I pray that our faith in Jesus will result in the continual transformation of our lives to reflect more and more of who he is. Though people may not get the opportunity to see Jesus first hand, may they know he’s real because they see evidence of him at work in my life and in yours.

Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” – John 20:29