#WISEMEN (Day 21)
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, [a]wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” ~ Matthew 2:1-3
As a young boy, I always wanted to be one of the Wise men in the church Christmas Nativity. Part of it was that you didn’t want to play the role of Joseph because then your buddies teased you about having a thing for Mary (the girl who played her). Shepherds just wore a bath robe with a towel tied to their head. Nah, I’m good. Now the wise men got the fancy clothes – flashy robes, diamonds and gold, cool head bands or crowns, and beards! Sporting a beard at age 10 is truly an achievement and aspiration even if it was a fake costume piece. #Wisemen #Beard #Goals!
We actually do not know a lot about the wisemen. They came from the east and they brought three gifts. We really do not know how many there were, but we do know they had something in common. They were hungry to discover the truth. If you are going to truly discover God, you must be a true seeker. There are plenty of speculators and spectators but not enough seekers. Speculators sit around and discuss all of their theories and ideas about God, as if they were some great authority. They talk a lot, they assume they know than they do. They delight to air their own opinion. They speculate. Others just spectate. They may be good people who say they love God and go to church. Truthfully, they may be more of a spectator who shows ups and sits there, but is more of a passive
#WISEMEN observer, than and ardent follower of Jesus. Churches are filled with spectators.
The Wise Men though were SEEKERS. They were aware God was up to something as they observed this unique and different star in the sky. They could sense God was speaking. They asked questions, “What does this mean? What is God doing? What is he saying? Above all, they were willing to do whatever it takes to find their answer as to what God was doing.
These men had travelled from the East, most likely a 4 to 6 month journey through the desert
to come to Bethlehem. That is quite the trip. These were educated, wealthy men who put their life on hold because they had to come see this child. Ironically the religious leaders of the day were living in Jerusalem, 6 miles north of Bethlehem. None of them travelled 6 miles to see what God was doing, while the wise men were traveling 6 months. Many want to know the truth, but they are not willing to seek it. Jesus said “He is the way, the truth and life…” We discover truth when we seek and find Jesus, who is the Truth. Are you a speculator, a spectator or a genuine seeker? God says the one who searches for him will all his heart will find Him.
QUESTIONS
·Do you have a favorite character(s) from the Nativity scene or the Christmas accounts in the Bible? If so, why do you resonate with that character?
·Are you in the category of Speculator, Spectator, or Seeker? Why do you say this? How do you feel about it?
·Is there any steps you want to take to become more of a Seeker? What step do you need to take to keep growing in your desire and discipline to seek Jesus?
ACTIVATE YOUR FAITH
·Set you heart to be a modern day wise-men who will prioritize seeking Jesus. What will this look like for you.