Three-year-old John was playing with a manger scene in our home a few days ago. He had pulled out the three Magi when I asked what he was doing. “These are the bad guys,” he replied. “No, those are wise men, John. They came to worship baby Jesus and bring him gifts. See, they gave him gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” John looked a little puzzled, then picked up one of the statues and asked, “Is this Merv?”
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.’ When King Herod heard this he was disturbed and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. ‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they replied, ‘for this is what the prophet has written.’ (quote from Micah 5:2) Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.’ After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 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 and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” (Matthew 2:1-12)
We have much to learn from the Magi (no matter what their names) about being wise in our generation: First, be looking for what is promised. We may not know enough about celestial beings to notice a strange star, but we should be familiar enough with Jesus’ words to notice signs around us and His promise of a return. Of course people will call you a star-gazer, but I don’t think He’ll call you a fool… and His opinion is the one that counts. “It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes.”
Next, be willing to take a journey. These wise men didn’t really know where they were going; they just packed up and left. They didn’t have to wander as long as Abraham did, but their story reminds us that God is pleased with faith in action. If these guys had simply said: “Behold, a new star! Come all you people of the east and let us tell you what we have found,” but had never taken the journey, we would have never known about them. I’m sure their trip was not easy – it took sacrifice; it was inconvenient; some probably called them crazy; but oh was it worth it. Jesus says, “Watch and pray,” but He’s not telling His followers to sit around. “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
Next, be humble enough to ask directions. “We know a King has been born. Could you help point the way?” Today the question is similar: “We know the King is alive. Could you help point the way?” Listen to answers with great discernment; not everyone has proper motives. “Come over here! We are bigger and better than everyone else. You are sure to find God here… just look at how much He’s blessed us!” Jesus gave different directions: “You’ll find Me in the least of these my brethren… the poor, the hungry, the sick, the imprisoned… But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
Next, don’t quench the joy of the Lord. These wise men found the King! They worshiped… they gave… they celebrated… they were overjoyed. If there is no joy in worship, we don’t see the King. If we give out of duty (or if we don’t give at all), we don’t see the King. If we don’t celebrate freedom from sin, freedom from hell, and freedom in Christ, then we don’t remember or understand what the King has accomplished. “O worship the King, all glorious above, and gratefully sing His wonderful love; Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.”
Finally, follow God’s guidance. Though doubtless these wise men intended to share their good news with many listeners, they would not share it with Herod. God sees the battle and He gives perfect orders. We don’t see clearly, so we must depend on His wisdom and direction. God knew this: Herod was an evil man. He was the tool of the devil and he was about to destroy all the innocent male babies of an entire town. So the wise men were warned in a dream and they heeded the warning. (If they hadn’t… we wouldn’t call them wise men.) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14
MERRY CHRISTMAS!