By Pastor Doug Cox

Dear Christian. I hope you will take time to read for yourself the story of the Wisemen who went to see the Christ child in Matthew chapter 2. This wonderful passage from Holy Scripture gives us insight into the characteristics of the Wisemen who had a passion to do more than just know about Jesus, but also to minister to Him in a personal way.

When these Wisemen became aware that the Messiah was born they moved into action. They gathered provisions to travel from Persia to Judea around 800 miles. They networked with others of their mindset, made plans and discussed the details and dangers the trip would entail. They knew it was more than a weekend excursion and could even cost them their lives, but they did it anyway. These were men of action and courage.

It seems obvious they were aware of the prophet Daniel’s and other Old Testament writings. Daniel was a Seer from the past who had interpreted dreams and advised four different kings. His legacy included his own writings about a coming Messiah along with a timeline for His birth. (See Daniel 9:24-27)

I can imagine how stories were passed down from generation to generation in the Magi ranks about Daniel. About escaping the jaws of lions, interpreting the dreams of kings and maybe even other stories of how he would at times look longingly into the west towards Israel. With tears running down his cheeks he would speak of Balaam’s prophecy of the Messiah. “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel…” (Numbers 24:17)

Then finally comes the chosen generation of Magi stargazers appointed by God to see the prophecy fulfilled. The star appeared in that place on the horizon that Daniel was said to have gazed. They began taking steps necessary to go there until they found themselves standing in the palace of Herod, a paranoid king whose jealousy would soon demand the death of every 2 years old and under male child in the Bethlehem area.

After putting Herod’s palace in the camel’s rearview mirror, they made a b-line for Bethlehem when suddenly the star reappeared pinpointing the Holy ground zero. They rejoiced exceedingly and went “…into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11 NKJV)

This is only part of the story, but it gives us much to learn from and examine our own lives with. The wisemen didn’t bow to political pressure. Do you? They rejoiced when they saw the miraculous. Do you? They humbly bent their knees in worship of the Lord. Do you?

For them He was a toddler that probably looked like every other toddler in the neighborhood. How did they know He was the Messiah they were seeking? The star over His house verified His Deity. That was enough for them to bow in worship. How about you? The Jesus we serve is not a toddler, He is the death conquering Lord of all. When was the last time you bowed you bent your knees to Him?

What about giving? The wisemen gave Him gifts from their physical substance. Do you happily and freely do the same? And finally, in the process of heading home after the party was over, the wisemen were warned in a dream to not return to Herod. GO HOME A DIFFERENT WAY! So instead of pridefully going to boast to Herod about their experience, and maybe get an autograph, they humbly obeyed the Lord.

Wow. The wisemen really set a high bar, giving us a worthy challenge to grow this Christmas season. So let’s pray. Lord, please help us grow in our courage, our Bible study, our worship, our giving, our obedience and our willingness to go out of our way to serve You. Help us keep You as the focus of the season. In Jesus Name.