Day 2 – Crossing Deserts
“…saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:2
What would you cross a desert for? What would be so motivating to you that you would leave the comforts of home and journey towards the unknown? This journey wasn’t easy; the Middle East’s terrain is a harsh environment. We don’t know how long this journey took; estimates range from several months to up to a year.
In our fast-paced, digitally influenced culture, I wonder if we are losing our stamina for searching? I wonder if we can’t find the answer quickly, if our desire to know fades.
This journey cost them; what is my journey costing me? I’m not saying we need to sell everything and go on some sacred pilgrimage. I am wondering, though, whether I am willing to sacrifice things in order to follow Jesus. Am I willing to cross a desert? Am I willing to cross a culture? A language barrier? Am I paying attention enough even to notice when something new appears, or is my day-to-day so busy that I don’t bother to look up?
Inward: Immanuel, what do you want me to know? Am I willing to sacrifice? Have I given up searching? Am I too busy to notice when things have changed?
Outward: Immanuel, what do you want me to do? Is there someone I can encourage who is searching? Is there a stranger I can welcome? Is there a dessert I can take a step of faith and begin to cross?
