Wise Men

The last couple of days I've been thinking about the Magi--the Wise Men. The first thing that comes to mind--because I've been thinking a lot about him too, this Christmas--are the words of Simeon. He will be "a light to the Gentiles." The Magi: "We have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." "And the glory of Thy people, Israel." The Shepherds: "And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them." Simeon's words--fulfilled before he even said them.
Now, I know the people of ancient times were star gazers, students of the heavens, always looking for signs in the skies, but why when they saw a "new" star did they think, "the King of the Jews has been born." Say what? There had to be a million different things they could have imagined. Why "the King of the Jews"? I'm thinking, grace, God's grace revealed to them.
And they had no doubts. They embarked on a journey fraught with dangers--perilous. Most people believe they embarked on a two-year journey--one way--to see that child. I'm sure they had servants with them. And with all those riches, guards of some kind. It was a courageous choice. But they went seeking--and arrived safely. Hmm, I'm thinking . . .
And what was so special about a king of the Jews? Who were they at that point in history? Most of them were scattered throughout the world. Those in the homeland were certainly viewed as irrelevant "players" in the events of the times. A small backward province on the edges of the Roman Empire known only for being an irritant. Why go to find such a child? King of the Jews? Who cares? They must have known more about Him than the Bible tells us. (Herod certainly knew they were looking for the Messiah.) They were seekers. But why? Yep, I'm thinking . . .
And then the surprise along the journey--there are always surprises. They show up in Jerusalem thinking surely the child was born there, and everyone will be excited about Him--but, no, He's not there, and no one has the slightest idea that He's been born. A little research came up with Bethlehem--a town so small it probably wasn't even on the map. So, on they go, and find Him, and--"rejoice exceedingly" (Wow!) Seekers always find Him. You know why.


And they worship Him,


Then, they head back home--warned by God to stay away from Herod (Someone wants to harm the child, the King? How can that be?!)--with who knows what thoughts going through their minds--for the rest of their lives. No doubt, they always remembered that child
There's so much the Bible doesn't tell us about so many things. But this we know. His promises are fulfilled before they are even spoken. He seeks men. What a God of grace! And the seekers, no matter how perilous the journey, no matter how many surprises they encounter along the way, no matter how much evil is at work in the world--the seekers find Him, and rejoice exceedingly. And, of course, God does tell us the most important thing--"Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ the eternal King."