Home for the Holidays by Neil Platon

 

I still could not believe it. I am finally back in Southern California! After years of waiting…and waiting…and waiting for an opportunity, the day has finally arrived. I am back just in time for the holidays.

 

As I reflect on my experience I can’t help but be reminded of some of the characters in the gospel of Luke. In chapter two there was a man named Simeon who said, “Can I stay alive until I see him (Christ).” Then there were the shepherds who said, “Let us go…Let us see.”…

 

They wanted a Savior. They wanted to see Jesus. They were earnest in their search. And because of their diligence they were rewarded. In one translation of Hebrews 11:6 it says, “God…rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Another translation reads, “God rewards those who search him.” In another translation it reads, “God…rewards those who sincerely look for him.” In the King James version of the Bible the passage reads, “He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

 

The key to living the Christian life is diligence. You must be diligent in your search. Be hungry in your quest, and relentless in your pilgrimage. And more importantly, you must be faithful in the task that God has called you to do.

 

Even though I was taken to a cold and far away place in the Midwest, away from my family and friends, I faithfully followed the directive that God gave me. And because of my faithfulness to Him God rewarded me and gave me the opportunity to be back in the Southland close to my loved ones once again.

 

As you continue with your Christian lives I urge you all to seek him out as the shepherds did. Long for him as Simeon did. Worship him as the wise men did. Risk whatever it takes to seek and serve the Lord.

 

God rewards those who seek him. Not to those who seek the world and its pleasures. Many settle for the lesser passions, but the reward goes to those who settle for nothing less than looking and searching for the One who gave His life so that we too may have life.

 

Happy Holidays!!!