Matthew 2:1-2
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, WISE MEN from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "where is the child who has been born King of the Jews, for we observed his star at its rising and have come to worship him?" Matthew 2:1-2 (NRSV)
"WE THREE KINGS ... " When I was in elementary school. I was always chosen to be one of the "three Wisemen in the Sunday School Christmas program. We wore our bathrobes and had a paper crown on our heads.
Of course, we each carried one of the three gifts mentioned in the text, and we always marched in while the congregation sang "We Three Kings ... " As I recall, we were even asked to sing the carol as we neared the manger. [We declined.]
My last appearance as a wiseman was at least 69 years ago. But my fascination with them has increased. There are some things about them that are not factual. These men were not kings as some translations say. They could have been astrologers or counsellors to a king. They could have been scholars. Whoever they were, they knew the Old Testament prophecies.
There had to be more than three of them. No one would dare travel long distances alone. They would have their servants and guards.
Neither could they arrive the night of Jesus' birth. Most scholars agree the star did not appear until the time of birth. We are told they visited Jesus and his parents while they lived in a house, when he was a year old or so, probably because of Herod's desire to kill children two years old or younger.
And there they worshipped him, presented their unique gifts, packed up their things and rode home-- end of story-- except what it means for wise men and women who still seek Him.
Ask yourself why they were wise and what wise people do today?
a--They inquired after and followed the Word of God. They did not have the Bible to guide them as we do today.
b--Because they looked, they found Jesus. They were serious about finding this new king,
c--They were wise because they worshipped Jesus. Theirs was no intellectual pursuit.
d--They were wise because they obeyed God.
Wise people do seek Him by reading and studying the Word, both Old and New Testaments, both alone and with others. Wise people know they will never find true fulfillment and joy in life until they seek after and find Him.
People are wise because they worship Jesus and Him alone.
And they are wise because they obey God.
It has been a long time since I took off that bathrobe, but I continue to give thanks for the lessons I learned from those WISE MEN. Truly, Wise People Still seek Him.
Question for Reflection:
- In what ways do you seek Him?
Prayer
Dear God, May the determination and action of those first wise seekers inspire us to know Him and follow Him more closely than ever before.
A Little Lutheran Humor
If it would have been Wise Women rather than Wise Men=
1) They would not have asked for directions.
2) They would have cleaned and scrubbed the stable.
3) Their gifts would have been pot-luck offerings to feed the whole family.
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