Wise Men Still Seek Him

Matthew 2:1-2

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, 2 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.”

First of all, I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas, and pray it brought you newfound joy! Today's devotion is focused on the event after the birth of Christ. It involves certain travelers from an eastern land, who perceived a revelation of a new born king. These priestly men, referred as wise men, meaning they were well educated and informed. They were from the east, describing the area from which they set out on their journey. They were not only scientists, scholars, and astronomers, but were in fact, king makers. These men were called "Magi."

'Magi' is a transliteration of the Greek magos from old Persian magus ("powerful") as a reference to the Zoroastrian priests of the later Persian Empire. They were also known as famous astrologers who attempted to understand the relationship of the powers in the universe to humans. -- source: Britannica.com

How they knew about this new king may have been from the Jewish remnant of Babylon. It is conceivable that they may have had scriptures that were left behind. after the 70-years of captivity. Regardless of how this information came, they were intrigued and after careful study of the ancient writings, as well as mapping out the navigating star, (not to mention God's influence), they left on a westward trek to find this new king.

The conceptual idea that there were only 3 wise men may not be so true. In fact, there was likely to have been many more in this entourage. Perhaps hundreds that included servants and livestock, who escorted the Magi. It is further believed that "3 wise men" were numbered to represent the 3 gifts they brought in gold, frankincense and myrrh. But it was more likely there were several people who made this trip.

The wise men of the East were seeking to coronate this king, as it was exposed to them in their studies. They recognized the star they followed by their knowledge of the stars and solar system, and from the writings. The followed this yonder star all the way to Jerusalem. But the king born was not in Jerusalem.

Stopping off in Jerusalem, they met with king Herod and inquired about this newborn King of the Jews, and strongly desired to see Him so they may worship Him.

Again, this knowledge of a king, was not concerning just any ordinary king. But a king who would reign and rule the whole earth one day. Herod consulted his wise men and scholars and they found the scriptures that this king would be born in Bethlehem, which was only a little over 5 miles to the south. (Micah 5:2)

King Herod told the wise men to go to Bethlehem, and then come back and report what they found, so he may go and worship this new king also. Of course, this was a lie. Herod enjoyed his position too much to let another take his place.

Once the wise men found and saw the Babe, they rejoiced. They were also told by an angel not to go back to Herod, but leave by another route back their homeland. I am sure the news of what they discovered made its way all the way back home.

When you truly and earnestly seek the Lord, you cannot help but to rejoice and find pure joy in your heart. For more than 2000 years, wise men still continue to seek Him. How about you? Are you seeking something greater in your life that you cannot produce on your own?

Christ Jesus, in the fulfillment of those ancient and trusted Scriptures, came to earth, a king dressed in a diaper to save you this day. The life He led while in this earth also led Him to the cross, where He died and shed His blood to forgive you all your sins that has kept you apart from His grace.

It is only by your faith and your hope that Jesus is your Lord and Savior. He will forgive you your sins and save you from the eternal death your sins deserve, and in exchange, give you life everlasting.

Place your faith in Jesus and allow Him to be your Lord and Savior today. Seek Him and you will find Him with arms wide open for you!

Merry Christmas and may God Bless you all,

Pastor Tom