They were philosophers. Or astronomers. Or were they astrologers? Perhaps they were magicians. All we really know is that a group of men saw an unusual star one night and started an investigation into its meaning. The brilliance of it was unbelievable, and they had to know more. This star has been called an extraordinary celestial event. And the men have been called Magi.
The wise men studied the stars. When they saw a new star, they searched the Scriptures to find the meaning of it. Why were the Scriptures the place they turned to find the answer, one might ask. They were most likely educated men of their day. But what did their education consist of? How did they gain wisdom? Sure. Some might call these men pagan astrologers. But would men who didn’t believe in a deity travel many, many miles to worship a Messiah who had been promised many, many years earlier? It’s doubtful. And God condemned astrology many times in Scripture. So, would he seek out pagans to find his chosen Son? What we know is that God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform.
These men commonly known as “wise” set out on a journey to follow the star. They believed it would lead them to the One promised in Scripture many years earlier. Funny thing is. No one else seemed to have noticed the star. No other group of wise men was traveling to an unknown destination to worship the promised Savior of the world. Nowhere else in history is it recorded that groups of travelers were following the star to find a new king. They were on their own.
This group of astronomers went out of their way to find the star. They traveled a far distance without hesitation. There were huge sacrifices. No one knows if they left families behind to trek across the globe. No one knows if they were truly equipped for the journey. No one knows how far they traveled or how long the trek took. And, apparently, they didn’t ask anyone’s permission. They just set out on the trip of a lifetime. Only hope. And a promise.
The star was one of a kind. It actually led these travelers to the sight they were seeking. Oh. They knew who and what they were looking for. But they stopped and asked for directions. The problem is. They asked the wrong person. Little did this small band of travelers know that the One they were seeking was not of the royal bloodline. His bloodline was eternal. And he would prove to be unwelcome and unwanted by those in authority.
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Those who believed in the promised Messiah assumed that his throne would be a human, physical one. So, of course, these men sought out the highest position possible, King Herod, to ask where to find the new king. It didn’t go over so well. Suddenly, Herod felt threatened, because he had never heard that someone greater than he was in the area. And it was a baby they were looking for. According to King Herod, the only natural thing to do was kill all boys age two and under. That should solve the problem.
But these wise men lived up to their name. God warned them not to tell Herod where they found the child. And after their visit with the promised babe, they left town taking another route. They duped the king. Such wise men! Before they left town, though, they offered precious gifts for the young boy. Gold. Frankincense. Myrrh. Only the best and most useful gifts were offered to the King of kings.
Foolish men think they don’t need God. Wise men know they have a void, and they surrender to the only One who can fill their deepest longings. In him, they find deep fulfillment. Since he set eternity in our hearts, we’re only complete in him. It should only take common sense to realize that simple truth, but apparently over time, hearts and minds can become hardened to the truth.
If we look around us today, it’s hard to find wise men. Or women. We’ve been choosing unwisely for so long, we don’t understand true wisdom. We can easily fall prey to deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. We follow hypocrites and liars, and we turn away from the true faith. We follow influential people who lead us astray. We consider nothing sacred.
Wise people want to live a godly life knowing they may suffer persecution as did their Savior. Wise people are humble and listen to advice. They also use their words with restraint and practice patience. They’re even tempered and hold their tongues. And wise men still seek the Savior of the world.
Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown. Proverbs 4:5-9
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5
Mercy for the Day 