“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, 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…
“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. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.” Matthew 2:1-3,7-12
After hearing of Jesus’s birth, these learned men (and sky watchers) from the east, where the Hebrew religion was not known or revered, were drawn by the sign of the star (and the Spirit) to Him. They were curious, and sensing His worth, came with gifts. They left their homes for this journey of unknown length, following the heavenly light like a magnet. (Genesis 1:14)
Wise people seek Christ, and watch for glimpses of His signs and work. (Exodus 33:13,18; Psalm 119:18; Isaiah 50:4)
Wise people rejoice at God’s movement in their hearts, and respond willfully and willingly to His pull and wooing and leading and light. (Psalm 119:105)
Wise people do what it takes in time and effort to make their way to Jesus, keeping on until they meet with Him. They bow, and humbly, gratefully offer their best to Him who is worthy. They worship. (Hosea 6:3; Romans 12:1)
Wise people are wary of strangers and false messages. Their knowledge of God guards them against temptation. They discern the true word to dismiss wayward allures and keep in line with God’s leading and direction. (Isaiah 30:21; 1 Corinthians 10:13)
Do we want to be wise not just in lip service but in Spirit, action, and truth? Then we would watch for the Lord. We would persist in devoting ourselves to seeking His face and word for us. We would go after Him daily and expect Him to direct our steps and make Himself known. We would rejoice at His companionship and delight in His presence. Do these describe our desire and commitment? (John 4:24; 1 John 3:18)
When do we go to worship? Are we so enthralled with His perfection, power, and majesty that all we can do is give, open ourselves in offering, not looking to take and ask? Is the substance of our regular prayers a shopping lists of wants? Laundry list of grievances? Or an unending list of praise? What steps will we take to be wise today?
Lord, keep me persisting to seek, know, and honor You.
As the rain and snow 