Today’s Reading: Matthew 2:1-12; Psalm 150

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” – Matthew 2:1-2

WE SAW AND SO WE CAME.

The Magi arrived in Jerusalem seeking the promised Messiah. They had been studying the sky and so they knew the meaning behind the bright star. The wisemen had left their homes and traveled a long distance in order to personally greet the King of the Jews. Each step they took towards Bethlehem got them closer to meeting Jesus face to face — the One who would become the Savior of the world.

King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:
‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah,
are not least among the ruling cities of Judah,
for a ruler will come from you
who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’” – Matthew 2:3-6

Perhaps King Herod was struggling with what today we call imposter syndrome. He knew that the Romans had taken over the land of the Jews, and he did not like the idea of having the rightful king show up and claim the throne. He needed to figure out what the wisemen were talking about so that he could stop this newborn king before it was too late.

HE WONDERED AND SO HE ASKED.

Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” – Matthew 2:7-8

King Herod asked his questions, gathered the information he needed, and then executed his plan to gain access to this little king whose presence threatened his power. He feigned interest, joining the wisemen in their excitement to worship the one the Jews had been anticipating. His jealousy was masked by a pretense of authentic interest.

After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! – Matthew 2:9-10

THEY WERE BEING LED AND SO THEY FOLLOWED.

The wise men saw the star in the sky and knew they needed to reach the star in order to arrive at their destination. Day after day, perhaps month after month, they followed this star but it remained out ahead of them. What many would have considered an unreachable dream, these men considered a worthwhile journey. The search for the Christ child was worth their time, it was worth their effort, and it was worth their perseverance. They did not stop until the star stopped. And when their purpose was realized, the wise men were filled with joy. It had not been easy, but it had been worth the search.

THEY WERE AWE OF BABY JESUS AND SO THEY WORSHIPED HIM.

They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. – Matthew 2:11-12

When they reached their destination, the wise men bowed before Jesus and began to worship him. Because they had been studying the scriptures, they understood the significance of this moment. They held nothing back as they opened up their most valuable treasures and lavished them upon Jesus. What a beautiful moment of fulfillment! They had been seeking the newborn king and they had found him. They were experiencing this amazing moment because they had made the journey towards Jesus, found the search to be worthwhile, and were willing to endure the difficult days along the way.

WE LONG TO SEE JESUS AND SO WE SEEK HIM.

Where are you on your journey towards Jesus? I hope that 2023 has been a year that has brought you joy as you pursued the covenant relationship Jesus came to earth in order for you to experience. Perhaps it has not been easy, and perhaps the enemy has tried his best to distract you from the purpose to which you have set your mind. But through it all, I hope you have recognized the goodness of God that has provided direction, the light of Jesus that has shed clarity, and the peace of the Lord that has filled you with joy. May these last few days of 2023 find you grateful for His provision and hopeful for the blessings this next chapter holds.

Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heaven!
Praise him for his mighty works;
praise his unequaled greatness!…
Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!
Praise the Lord! – Psalm 150