Christmas — We have found Him!
The search for the Savior began thousands of years before He was born in Bethlehem. The prophets of old were given promise that One would come and He would change everything. He would declare good news to the poor. He would heal the brokenhearted. He would break the chains of bondage and set captives free. He would open the prison of those who are bound. He would bring the day of vengeance of our God. He would comfort all who mourn and give them beauty for ashes and the oil of joy for mourning. They would receive the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Ruined cities and old ruins would be rebuilt. The desolations and barrenness of many generations would be repaired and replaced with joy and life. Instead of shame, believers would receive double honor. Instead of humiliation, they would shout for joy over their portion. They would receive a double portion in their land and everlasting joy would be theirs. He would faithfully give them compensation for all of their harm and loss. He would establish God’s Kingdom and rule. He would make them the offspring whom the Lord blesses. God gave a word to Isaiah about Him.
Isaiah 9:6 NKJV For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:7 NKJV Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
The Lord God Almighty gave the promise that He would accomplish this by His own zeal. Zeal represents God’s persistent passion to accomplish His promise. From the time of the prophecies, it seems that everyone was looking for His coming. Wise men from the East were searching for the One Who would come when they saw His star.
Matthew 2:1–2 NKJV Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
When they saw His star arise, they came looking for Him.
We know the story of how when they found Him, they brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. After His birth, He was hidden in obscurity. During those first thirty years, Jesus was raised in a carpenter’s home and we are told very little about Him, (Luke 3:23).
While John the Baptist was baptizing in the Jordan River, he recognized Jesus, the Lamb of God.
After John saw the Holy Spirit descend from heaven like a dove and remain on Jesus, he said: “Behold!The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” This is the Son of God,” (John 1:29-34). After that declaration, two of John’s disciples started following Jesus.
John 1:40–41 NKJV One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ).
He brought Simon Peter to Jesus and the Lord said to him, “Follow Me.” The following day Jesus went to Galilee and found Philip.
John 1:44–45 NKJV Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
What does it mean to find Him?
To find Him is to find the Alpha for He is the beginning of all things, He is the Source. To find Him is to find Life, for in Him is life. When God created man, He breathed the breath of life into his nostrils. To find Him is to find the way, the truth and the life. Jesus is the only way, path or door to the Father. He is the only access to God’s salvation and blessing. To find Him is to find the glory of God. When the disciples saw Him, they beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father. To find Him is to find the Advocate between God and man. To find Him is to find Salvation for there is no hope of salvation without Jesus. He is the Messiah, the Anointed One, the Christ. He is the One sent from God to bring God’s salvation to man. To find Him is to find the Omega, for all things find their conclusion in Him. Everyone will stand before Him and give account.
Isaiah 9:6 NKJV For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
We have found Him!
When God sent His Son into the world, people were facing the same issues many face today. They were faced with the perplexities and difficulties of sickness, disease, and death. They had family and social issues. Many had separations, divorce, and family problems. They knew the struggle of lost fortunes and friends. They were troubled with the oppression of slavery and bondage. Many experienced the chains of servitude. Families knew the pain of their loved ones being carried away to strange lands and forced into slavery. They faced the heartbreak of loss of life and property. They lost their dreams, security, health and hope.
Just like you, they needed real solutions to real problems of life.
When God sent His Son into the world, their religious systems had failed to provide genuine answers. The Roman and Greek gods and goddesses were powerless. Neither Diana, Artemis, Zeus nor Apollo could help them. The Philistine’s gods could not relieve their distresses but added much distress and loss to their lives. Their gods of wood and stone had no answer. All they gained from their religion was greater sorrow and bondage. Their sages or soothsayers brought no relief. None of their wise men or doctors had true answers for life’s difficulties and dilemmas. The remedies and therapies they were offered were filled with empty promises. Their stories and riddles could not bring release.
Even the religion of the Jews had become a system of laws and codes without the power of God’s presence.
They offered numerous sacrifices and offerings that produced no lasting changes. Their ceremony and sacrament continued, but offered no relief. Even God became weary with their sacrifices and said that their worship had become a stink in His nostrils.Every year they came for atonement, but all they got was a judicial reprieve. Guilt and shame still lay heavy on their souls.
All humanity needed a Redeemer.
They needed someone who could offer true relief for their heavy and dark hearts but they could not find Him. They needed someone who could remove their burden, guilt, and shame but no one could help. There was no savior or redeemer for sinful men. Even God the Father searched throughout the lineage and ages of man and could find no one who was worthy or able to redeem mankind from sin.
All humanity needed a Savior.
Andrew said, “We have found the Messiah.”
The Old Testament foretold the Messiah’s coming and the prophets kept their expectations alive. They said: “In the fullness of the times, the Messiah would come.” The whole world had hope that He would come at the right time with the answers that were needed to resolve the issues in our lives. When He would come, life would be better because He would come with blessing and deliverance. He would bring redemption, salvation, and restoration. He would bring reprieve, peace, and hope. He would come with healing and help.
Galatians 4:4–5 NKJV But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
Andrew found Him. Then Peter found Jesus. Philip met the One that Moses and the prophets wrote about and he told Nathanael, “We have found Him.”
What did they find?
- They found the Messiah who is called the Christ.
- He is the One the Angels announced with, “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace toward men.”
- He is the One the wise men found and came to worship.
- John came before Him announcing that He is the Lamb of God, the Promised One.
- He is the Christ, the Anointed of the Father.
- He is Jehovah Jireh, the Lord our provider, John 1:29.
- He is Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our healer, Matthew 8:16-17.
- He is Jehovah Mekoddish, the Lord our Sanctifier, Hebrews 10:10-14.
- He is Jehovah Raah, the Lord my Shepherd.
- He is the Lord of Hosts, Matthew 26:53.
- He is our Peace, Luke 1:78-79.
- He is the Lord our Shepherd, John 10:11.
- He is Jehovah Tsidkenu, the Lord our Righteousness, 1 Corinthians 1:30.
- He is El Olam, the everlasting God.
- He is El Shaddai, the Lord almighty.
- He is Jehovah Shalom, the Lord is Peace.
- He is our Savior, Matthew 1:18-25.
- He is the Lord Who heals all your diseases, (Psalms 103:2-3).
- He is Jehovah Shammah, the Lord is there.
- He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Andrew said, “We have found the Messiah.”
- He is the One the Father appointed to break the oppression of sin.
- He is the One Who came to release captives.
- He is the One Who came to remove heavy burdens.
- He is the One Who came to redeem.
Have you found Him?
Here is the invitation for you today.
- If you have not found Him…
- If Jesus Christ is not real in your life…
- If your life has not been changed by the power and glory of the Messiah…
- If you are still struggling with guilt, shame, and the bondage of sin…
You must come and see.
Come and see what Jesus Christ can do for you. Come and see how He will save your soul and forgive your sin. He will heal and cleanse and relieve your heavy burden. He will give you rest, peace and joy. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and sanctify your soul. Come and He will provide your needs.
When Jesus saw Philip and Nathanael coming, He already knew what kind of man Nathanael was. Nathanael was overwhelmed that Jesus Christ knew.
You need to know this. The Lord already knows everything you have done. He knows all about your past, your life and actions. He knows what you need.
If you will openly respond to Jesus Christ, your life will truly change.
He is willing and able to break your bondage and burden and give you true joy and peace. Your life is going to change.
Come and find Jesus.
