Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, Magi from the East arrived in Jerusalem,
These "wise men" were magos, Oriental scientists, who were astronomers who studied the skies, among other disciplines.
saying,
"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the East and have come to worship Him."
They had seen a particularly specific "star" that was different from the other stars, and were so impressed by it that they embarked on an extensive journey to find this One. How these far-away professors even knew about a Jewish King is beyond me! God does work in mysterious ways!
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
These Wise Men made their query in the full court of King Herod, which would have included all the entrenched leaders of the Jewish people who were working with/for King Herod. So the established government were upset at the possibility that their little apple cart would be overturned by some new King of the Jews!
Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.
So of course Herod consulted all the lawyers who were familiar with the Scriptures.
They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the Prophet:
"And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; for out of you shall come forth a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel" (Micah 5: 2).These scholars knew even the obscure Minor Prophets, and understood the prophesies. But did they believe them? Even as they came true before their eyes?
Then Herod secretly called the Magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared.
Secretly means privately, without all the other members of his court. This meeting was behind closed doors.
And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him."
We know that he was lying, that he wanted to cut off this interloper before He would have a chance to have any effect on his power.
After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the East, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.
This is a most amazing and unusual "star," that moved and guided them, and then stopped moving to shine on just the right place. Very curious.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
They were so glad to have their "guide" back, they'd come so far, now they'd be able to finish their journey.
After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother;
So they weren't in a cave or barn or stable, they were in a house. And Joseph was probably at work, so he wasn't there with Mary.
and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
They worshiped Him first. Then they got into their baggage and got out the gifts they brought for this Child: Gold, because He is a King; Frankincense, to denote His priesthood; and Myrrh, to signify the importance of His death for us all.
And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the Magi left for their own country by another way.
These Magi were wise enough to recognize the Truth, that this "star" would lead them to the Messiah, and they also listened to God's message in the dream, and obeyed it, too.
These Oriental men were Gentiles, so far away from the life of God's people Israel, yet even as they were searching with honest and sincere hearts, God called them to be an important part of this Christmas story.
God can use any part of His creation to do whatever He wants it to do to accomplish His purposes. Like this "star." I have no idea what this is; I have read several theories, but none of them really hold up, none of them can explain all the things this heavenly being did. So that's one thing I'll find out about when I "get to Heaven."
And these astronomers from the Far East--they're like, out of left field! Where did they come from? How did they get involved in this story at all? What's their connection?
God Loves all of His creation, and has chosen the human race to be His children. So why would He not show His power and authority to call out these foreigners from across the globe, to worship and honor His Son? He's God, He does whatever He wants!
And whoever you are, where ever you live on this whole Earth, you also are one whom God can call to faith. You also are part of History (His story) of Mankind. God will use each and every one of us in His weaving of the Tapestry of Time, as either dark or light threads, deep velvet or bright colors and shining highlights.
God gave us the power of choice, and whoever chooses to seek Him with their whole heart, will find Him; because He will be found by all who want Him.
But He will not interfere with our free will. Those who choose to reject the light that is given to them will only get more darkness. We find what we're looking for. And if you're looking for only what promotes your own ideas, your own finances, your own popularity; then you will find only that, and never be satisfied.
But if you humble yourself, recognizing the weaknesses and sinfulness your own humanity, and look for Redemption in the Lord, then God will come to you, as He came to me. We are all different, and God knows each of us. Your experience of Salvation will be different from mine, and I enjoy hearing all the stories.
If you've been reading this blog for any length of time, then you know a lot of my story. Share with me how God called you into faith.
And every created thing and being will fall down in worship of our God: we cannot but bow and kneel to our Sovereign Potentate, and glorify our Almighty God!
Even so, come soon, Lord Jesus!
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