Matthew 2:9-12
After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place were the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
There are so many nuggets of truth in these few passages. So, let's take a few moments and unpack them.
The wise men are an important and well known group of men in the Christmas story. We have images and pictures in or minds of them arriving right after the birth of Jesus, bringing their gifts and treasures to lay before the baby. However, as you do a more in depth study of these passages, you see how the imagery will change. Scholars believe that the magi arrived approximately two years after Jesus' birth, which would have made Him around 2 years old.
They arrive in Jerusalem and meet with King Herod. Here they were, in the King's palace and in the King's presence, and yet they never bowed in worship. They were still seeking after the One True King. They continue on their journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem which was about 6 miles away. They estimate those 6 miles would have taken around 40 days.
Just as a side note, I think it's interesting how many significant events are attached to a 40 day period in the Bible......just saying!😊
Let's continue......
We have no way of knowing what these men actually expected to encounter under that famous star. Except, they did know a King had been born. They had journeyed a long way to find Him. Imagine their surprise as they entered the home of Mary and Joseph, which we know were poor, and there they saw 2 year old King Jesus. Nothing in the flesh, or worldly appearances would say, Here He is, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and yet they fall down in worship anyways the moment they see Him. They offer the treasures they have brought. And because they were warned in a dream, they do not return to Herod, but go home a different way.
Many of us have traveled a long and hard journey to come to saving faith in Christ. We saw that bright and shining star knowing the treasure below would bring us great joy. How wonderful the Holy Spirit is for drawing us to our Savior. The only problem is, we have in our minds eye what that should look like. Upon arrival, we might even question if we possibly took a wrong turn somewhere? Instead of questioning, we need to be like the magi and fall down in Worship Anyways. We need to give King Jesus our greatest treasure, our heart, by laying it down at His feet and trusting His care.
God calls us to a different journey home with Him, through Christ our Savior. Never returning the way we came. Leaving that path behind, because we have seen the King.
No matter the cost,
Worship Anyways!
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