Directed to the Savior

The following article was published in the Arthur Graphic-Clarion in
December 2012.

One of the most popular Christmas gifts of the past several years has been GPS (Global Positioning System) units for our vehicles.  I sometimes wonder how long those units will continue to be sold now that those same capabilities are available on most smart phones.  One feature on those units is the woman’s voice that tells you when to turn and when you have arrived at your destination.  At this point she still doesn’t tell you when to stop for gas or when to use the restroom but that day may be coming soon.

A common word we hear from this GPS voice is “recalculating.”  She says this word anytime you take a different route than the one she thinks is best for you.  I have switched that voice to mute on my phone so I don’t have to listen to her.  I would much rather listen to my wife’s directions from the passenger’s seat (wink).

This whole GPS phenomena at Christmas has reminded me about the Magi (The Wise Men) that came to see Jesus in Bethlehem after his birth (Matthew 2:1-12).  God gave them a star in the sky to guide them to the Savior of the world.  They followed that guiding light and ended up at Jesus’ side.  In verses 10 and 11 of Matthew 2 it says, “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Because the wise Magi from the east followed the star (God’s directions) they found the Savior that God had sent to the world in Jesus.

The lesson for me was this:  It’s okay to mute the voice on my GPS unit, but I need to make sure I am not doing the same to God.  The Lord wants to give us direction and guidance in our lives and we need to listen and follow that direction at all times.  Those Magi in the Bible have come to be known as wise men.  We would be wise as well if we allow God to lead us to our Savior Jesus Christ.  “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

Have a very Merry Christmas everyone,

Pastor Glen Rhodes

Arthur Mennonite Church