Chapter 2 of Matthew seems full of kings. The birth of the King, the tyrant who was king and now the magi or wise men who have been called kings as well. Their motivation to find Jesus is in sharp contrast with that of King Herod.
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.
Isaiah prophesied their visit as recorded in Isaiah 60:3
3 Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Although there isn't a lot of historical detail about these visitors it is believed that they may have come from the region of Babylon and perhaps had heard prophecy of the coming Messiah during the time of the Israelites' captivity. It isn't known really how many visitors came to see Jesus, but that their visit occurred after Mary and Joseph had found a more permanent lodging. see Matt 2:11
What's caught my attention about these wise men is their singular focus.
The wise men realized what, or rather, who, was the most important person in the world. It would seem that knowing this they made a very intentional, direct journey to find Him. Their eyes fixed on the unusual star, their minds replaying the prophecies of old, they continued their journey until its goal. They used external circumstance to find Jesus - to see Him. They used biblical teaching to guide them.
It reminds me of the verse in Hebrews...
Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jesus had a singular focus - His priorities in order - His mind calmly centred on God's will.
As the holiday season ramps up with its wonderful extra opportunities I'm again reminded to keep my eyes on Him whose birth we celebrate, and who, like the wise men, I want to worship.
O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light
2 comments:
Thanks for the reminder to "follow that wonderful star". I have a few students playing renditions of this carol, from both beginner to advanced and I will be reminded of your thoughts and insights as I hear the carol over the next few weeks.
And here I was convinced that the 'three kings from orient are bearing gifts, we've travelled so far'.
it sppears we both needed to go over our christmas lyrics.
I enjoyed reading this - you're so insightful!
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