"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." Matthew 2:1-2; Read Matthew 2
Wise men from the east, perhaps through study of ancient prophecy (Genesis 49:10; Numbers 24:17), understood that the appearing of a special star indicated the birth of the long-promised Messiah and King of the Jews and traveled many miles to worship Him and offer Him gifts. The chief priests and scribes in Jerusalem knew the Scriptures and the place where the Messiah was to be born from Micah 5:2 but apparently were too busy practicing their religion to go there to seek Him. Herod, hearing of the birth of the Messiah, was afraid of losing his kingdom and sought to slay the Christ Child.
This raises an important question for you to consider. "How do you respond to the news that God has sent His only-begotten Son into the world to be your Savior?"
Do you, like King Herod, fear that Jesus' coming into the world will interfere with your life or threaten your own little kingdom? Do you seek to keep Him out of your life so that you can continue on in your own ways, doing the things you want to do, without Jesus there to interfere? Do you stay away from church and even sometimes wish people would quit talking about Jesus and teaching from the Bible?
Are you, like the chief priests and scribes, so busy with your religious service to God that you don't have the time or the desire to seek out Jesus even though you may know much about Him? Are you able to recite the facts about Jesus and tell others where to find Him but are yet unable to honestly say that you have sought Jesus out to truly know Him and honor Him as your savior and king?
Or, have you, like the wise men of old, heard of Jesus' coming, sought Him out through the study of the Scriptures, found Him and worshiped and honored Him as your messiah, savior and king?
You know, the saying is still as true today as ever: "Wise men still seek Him!"
O gracious and merciful God. You sent Your only-begotten Son into this world to redeem us and win for us salvation. Graciously grant to us the wisdom to seek Him out in Your Word, to find Him and honor Him as our God and Savior by trusting in His name. Amen.
[Devotion by Randy Moll. Scripture quotations from the King James Version of the Bible.]
Editorial on 01/11/2017