“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’
“Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.’ After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh…
“Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.” Matthew 2:1-11,16
The same message of wonder reached ears of the wise and the powerful. For one, it was an irresistible attraction to spend time and miles to discover, meet, and bow. For the other, it was a threat he was bent to destroy.
God made the human mind to be curious, and orchestrates His world, even the stars, for His purposes. Man processes what he hears and sees and determines how he’ll respond to the indications he gleans. Attitudes going in are key to outcomes, steering them toward good or bad, worship or wrong. (Genesis 1:14-15; Psalm 119:91; Proverbs 2:1-6)
Delving into God’s word gives great opportunity for soul conviction and spiritual enrichment, but also for hardening of the heart. If I approach time with the Lord with an open, willing spirit, I’m likely to learn deep truths that take root, promote worship of new-found aspects of my God, and sanctify. If I bear resistance and a rebel mindset, I will find only fault, and do all I can to squelch the Spirit. (Psalm 119:18; Isaiah 50:4; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12)
For what am I using my brain and efforts? To analyze opinions, soak in the world, and relish its enticements, or to explore the greatness of God, follow where He leads, and adore Him?
Lord, keep me open to Your sanctifying power. Help me discern Your truth and attributes so I maintain a mind and heart of worship. (Psalm 119:34,66)
As the rain and snow 