The wise men of Jesus’ day, acquiring knowledge about His birth, came from a far way off, to seek Him out and to offer their homage. They sought Him until they found Him! The world celebrates the birth of Christ this day with all the pomp and merry making….but is Christ in it at all? Well, what lesson does our reading hold for us today?—"WISE MEN” seek Christ!!

Searching & Finding: These wise men would have been scholars of varied knowledge and followed the sign they were learned in – the star. But initially, their knowledge did not lead them to the right place or person they were seeking. Their head knowledge brought them to the palace of Herod. The following were the finding of the wise men and the Jewish scribes put together:

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• He is the King of the Jews (Matt 2:2)

• He is the Ruler who would shepherd His people (Matt 2:6)

It interesting to note that the above first title was put up on the cross when Jesus was crucified. And one of the thieves crucified alongside recognized a King in Him and said: “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42). Jesus came to establish God’s Kingdom on earth and spoke much about it in His teachings. For e.g. in the prayer: “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.” (Matt.6: 9,10).  When questioned by Pilate before His crucifixion: ‘Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” (John 18:37)

Jesus Himself spoke thus: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11). Jesus laid down His life to save us from sin that easily snares us and the grip of the evil one. In giving Himself, He came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many! (Mark 10:45). 

The Response: The wise men would not rest until they found Christ and their response- they paid their homage…brought their gifts before Him. In their small understanding that this child would be the King of the Jews, they came to honour Him.

There are two ways a person can respond- either to accept Christ for who He is or to reject Him, His claims and what is written about Him. Yes, Jesus took on the human form- came as a babe; walked among us- shared in our humanity so that He could pay with the high price of His life to connect us back to God. Revelation 1:5 says of Him “…and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood…” Revelation 19:16 says of Christ: “And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”   Just as He spoke while on earth, He will return and His will rule from shore to shore, over all! 

Friend, if you’ve not given serious thought to allow Him reign over your life now, then one day, when every knee will bow before Him(Phil.2:10), you will have no choice! You can either acknowledge Him as Lord today or face Him as the Judge of the whole earth when He returns.

Are we among the wise men who still seek and worship Him?

 

Thought for the Day:

“He is still found by those who seek Him!” (Anon)