Did You See That Star?

‭Matthew‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬ NLT

In 1857, the great carol, “We Three Kings”, was written by John Henry Hopkins, Jr..  Hopkins served as the rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and wrote the carol for a Christmas pageant in New York City.  The story of traveling wise men seeking True Wisdom is still relevant today.  It’s not about knowledge . . . what we know . . . but about wisdom . . . Who we know.

Paul teaches that there may be a delusion with knowing too much, “Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies.” (1 Cor 8:1 NASB)  Yet, Matthew writes of wise men . . . scholarly students seeking a Savior . . . who knew the times, knew the teaching and knew the truth.  These wise men knew that Wisdom had arrived.

They Were Searching.  The meaning of truth has puzzled scholars and philosophers for years.  It is in our searching that we find the Savior and significance.  The disciple Matthew writes, “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, ‘Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.’” (‭Matt‬ ‭2‬:‭1-2‬ MSG). The prophet Jeremiah reminds us of God’s promise, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (‭Jer‬ ‭29‬:‭13‬ NLT)

They Were Struck With Awe.  The wise men respond with earnest reverence when they encounter the eternal Royalty of Heaven.  Matthew writes, “They entered the house and saw the Child in the arms of Mary, His mother.  Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped Him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh.” (‭Matt‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬ MSG). These wise men were obedient to God’s leading . . . and they were overwhelmed with His love.  The swaddled child is the Savior King.

They Were Surrendered.  These humbled scholars were commanded by King Herod to return with the location of this newborn King.  Instead, they chose to surrender to the King of Kings.  Matthew tells us, “And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.” (‭Matt‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬ ESV)  Their path had a new purpose.  Their journey was now for Jesus.  Service requires surrender.  Our willingness to follow becomes our worship to the Father.

Lynn Cooper wrote the lyrics to a children’s chorus, “Wise Men Still Seek Him”:

Look for Him.  Be overwhelmed when you find Him.  And, surrender to His call and compassion.

‘Tis the season . . .