Day Five

 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matt. 2:1-2)

They didn’t have to, but they came. From far away in the east, they journeyed miles over rugged and treacherous roads to worship the King who was born in a manger. What an irony! They were men of renown in their country – wise, wealthy, and well positioned in society. Why would they rush off following a star to a poor little baby in a manger? Yet, they came; bearing precious gifts fit for a king – gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Their story started way before the star announced the birth of Immanuel to them. The history of Israel had fascinated them in their studies, so they keenly followed it. They noted the trail of one interesting story, woven into a beautiful motif with distinctive strands.

The first strand appeared in the call of Abram from the south-eastern city of Ur, the capital of Sumer. That raised their curiosity and interest. A man from their region was called by God, with a promise, to move away from his country, people, and father’s household to an unknown country. God promised to make him into a great nation, a great name, and a blessing to “all the people of the earth” (Gen. 12:3).

The story got more interesting through the accounts of Isaac, Jacob, and, eventually, Joseph and his family in Egypt. It continued in the exodus of Israel from Egypt, the Red Sea crossing, and the forty-year desert wandering.

The second prominent strand was woven into the narrative by Moses. “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him” (Deut. 18:15). This raised the curiosity of the inquirers from the east. They now have one person to investigate. But, who would that person be?

King David became the third and most colorful thread in the tapestry. God promised him a son, through whom He would establish an everlasting kingdom (2 Sam. 7:12-16).

They followed the story as the prophets, particularly Isaiah, continued the narrative. Isaiah gave much of the details about the Promised Messiah concerning His ancestry, virgin birth, circumstances, the nature of His kingship, and His mission. But, the distinguished travelers had missed the prophesy of Micah 5:2 that revealed the birth place of the Messiah’s birth.

The Gentile men continued their investigation and lived to see this King of the Jews in their lifetime. God is faithful. He grants the desires of those who search for Him. As He kept old man Simeon and old widow Anna to see the day of Israel’s consolation (Lk. 2:25-38), so will He give the men of the east their hearts desire.

That day came, when the King was born. It happened without the pomp and pageantry of royal birth. In the obscurity of a poor neighborhood in Bethlehem, the King of Israel was born to a virgin. Angels announced the event to the shepherds in the fields close to Bethlehem, and they went to pay their homage to Him (Lk. 2:8-20).

So, in that distant eastern city one day, the men got their wish. God set a bright star in the sky and directed the men’s attention to it. He revealed the birth of the Messiah to the men and they got excited. But, what should they do?

“We can’t miss this lifetime opportunity,” one of them said.

“No, we can’t. We definitely have to go and pay our homage to Him,” said the second.

“We must go with presents fit for the King.”

With divine wisdom as counselor, they set out for the land of the Jews, the star guiding their way. But, where will the King of the Jews be born apart from Jerusalem? So, they combed through the city. King Herod heard about their search. Fear gripped him. He was an Edomite, an impostor over God’s people as king. He knew the history of the Promised Messiah, so he knew he was in trouble. God led the magi to Herod for a reason. Jeremiah’s Messianic prophesy  had to be fulfilled (31:15). So, at Herod’s bidding, the men continued their search. The star appeared to them again and led them to the place where the child was born (Matt. 2:9). Isn’t God good? He guides the feet of the pure in heart.

The wise men stared at each other in amazement. Where is the palace? Where are the servants and the comforts of royal birth? They looked at the stable and the child lying in the manger, wrapped in swaddling cloths, they surveyed the faces of Joseph and Mary. Their wonder clearly showed. Is this the King of the Jews; the Savior of the world? Aren’t we missing something?

When doubt assails the inquirer after righteousness, the counsel of heaven comes quickly to uphold and sustain them. The divine wisdom that guided the men’s journey, gave them sight beyond the physical. They had found the King, and their knees went down in worship. Having presented themselves in true giving to God, they brought out their gifts.

What a scene of humility!

Even at birth, Jesus was uniting the two, Jews and Gentile, in the shepherds and the Magi. Warned away from Herod in a dream, they went another way to their country.

That’s why Jesus is the King of the world: “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting King, Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6).

So, let the wise come from every part of the world to worship our Savior and King, who bestows eternal life on all who bend their knees to Him.

Shalom