Let us notice a few incidents which may help to show how our blessed Lord is presented as the true center of attraction, and may it search our hearts as to how far He is to us all that He should be, all indeed that He desires to be to those for whom He gave Himself in love even unto death.
When the Judean shepherds came to Bethlehem, in response to the angelic announcement concerning the birth of the Lord, they saw Mary and Joseph, as well as the Babe. But it was Jesus whom they sought, for of Him the angel spake to them. They said one to another:"Let us now go even to Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child" (Luke 2:15-17).
Later when the "wise men" came from the East to Jerusalem, they too were seeking Jesus. They did not know His name, nor the place of His birth; but they knew who it' was whom they sought. "Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and have come to worship Him." When they found the One for whose sake they had taken so long a journey, we read:"And when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts-gold, frankincense and myrrh." Today, many would offer their gifts to Mary, or at least share them with her. Perhaps some might think Joseph should have some gift presented to him. But these men were instructed of God. They sought Jesus, and offered their gifts to Him alone (Matt. 2:1-12).
When John the Baptist began to preach about the Lord, he did not know Him as yet. He says:"I knew Him not, but He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me:Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizeth with the Holy Spirit. And I saw and bare record that this is the Son of God" (John 1:32-34). John had faithfully preached concerning Him as the Judge and Purger of His threshing-floor; but when he came to know Him, he began to tell of Him as the Lamb of God and the Son of God. When he got to know Jesus, he was filled with the glory of His grace and of His Person. So too it becomes "Jesus only" for John, as he says a little later, "He must increase, but I must decrease."
On another occasion when John saw Jesus coming, he was heard to exclaim:"Behold the Lamb of God!" He was no longer prophesying, but worshiping the One who fulfils all prophecy. We read as to this:"And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus" (John 1:35-39).They sought Him, leaving John to get to Him. The Lord knew their desire, for we read:"Then Jesus turned and saw them following, and saith unto them:What seek ye? They say unto Him .. .Master, where dwellest Thou?" It was HIMSELF they desired; nothing else. So He answered them, "Come and see. They came and saw where He dwelt, and abode with. Him that day." In company with Himself they learned His dwelling-place. And where was it? Some humble retreat, doubtless, as far as this earth's provision was concerned; but underneath there lies the precious truth that His dwelling-place was ever the "bosom of the Father." "The only-begotten Son, who is (not merely 'was,' but 'is' always there) in the bosom of-the Father, He hath declared Him."
"Oh, what a home! The Son who knows-
He only, all His love;
And brings us as His well-beloved
To that bright rest above-
Dwells in His bosom, knoweth all
That in that bosom lies;
And came to earth to make it known,
That we might share His joys."
The Lord's question not only intimates knowledge of their desire, but intent to draw out that desire, and then in grace to encourage fellowship with Himself. Such are His ways in grace, and then those who thus come to know Him must become seekers also, they desire others to share in the blessing. This we see in Andrew's action. "He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him:We have found the Messiah!" Such fellowship brings into blessed assurance, and with this Andrew speaks so that the heart of his brother is touched. He is ready to go, and Andrew "brought him to Jesus." Simon is here true to his name. He is the ready "hearkener" to the good news, and his feet were as ready as his ears. He goes to meet the One of whom he had just heard. We can imagine Andrew telling his brother, on the way, his own experience in meeting the Christ of God, and the welcome he had found in the quiet retreat where the Son of the Father had entertained them. Though not knowing that these titles belonged to Him, for as yet they were limited in this respect, to them Jesus was the Anointed of God, the Prophet, Priest, and. King of God's own rich provision. He had come from God Himself. He was Immanuel – "God with us." Wm. Huss
(To be continued, D.V.)