A manger. The baby Jesus. Mary. Joseph. A star. No Christmas play would be complete without the three wise men.
Matthew records the amazing story of the “Magi” who went to see the King of the Jews after his birth. Bible scholars agree that these wise men may have traveled upwards of 800 miles – a journey that could have taken anywhere from several months, to 2 years.
What’s interesting is that after the wise men’s interaction with Herod, Matthew makes a point to tell us that the “star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was.” (Matthew 2:9 NASV)
The phrase “went before them” in the original Greek actually means to “lead by going ahead of”. There was no “trying to find” the Christ child. No going house to house making inquiry. The star simply led them to where they saw Jesus.
Throughout the Bible we are admonished to seek the Lord:
But from there you will seek the LORD your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 4:29 ESV)
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 ESV)
If only we had a “star” to go before us and lead the way.
Good news! We do. Jesus promised in John 16 that He would send us a Helper. He called this person the “Spirit of truth” who “guides us into ALL the truth“ and will “declare to you the things that are to come.” (vs. 13 ESV)
Seek the Lord. Not blindly, or haphazardly, but under the guidance of the Holy Spirit – thinking…praying…meditating on His word.
This Christmas remember – wise men still seek Him…every day. Encounter Him. Fall down. Worship Him.
It will turn your life around.
Can I get an Amen?
