Monday Morning Devo - Advent Prayers: The Wise Men

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea 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 have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:1-2, NKJV)

There are some mysteries in the Bible that are never explained. In this short section, there are three things that mystify me: Wise men from how far east--Perea? Bostra? China? Did these wise men worship God, or did they think this was just some important person--and if so, why would they want to worship? What star was this that was so outstanding to them that everyone else seemed to have missed? Why couldn't they see it while they were in Jerusalem? Was it cloudy or what?

Some things we may never know the answer to until we get to The Great Beyond, but there are a few things certain in my mind. These men traveled a very long way to see the King of the Jews. They must have had reason to believe He was important enough to take weeks or months out of their lives to make this trip.

And when they arrived in that humble little town and saw the obviously poor people with a baby, did they look at each other, say, "Gee Wilkes, we must have been mistaken," and turn to go home? No. They prostrated themselves in worship before this baby and presented him with expensive and meaningful gifts.

Now, me? I wouldn't have made this long journey through cold and heat, risking highwaymen and worse with these expensive gifts unless I had been directed by God. Did they also have a visit from an angel?

I'm guessing they did. And during their ride and or walk all that way, do you think they talked to God? I'm thinking they had to have! They risked everything they had on a trip that long--unless they took along a battalion of guards. They left livelihoods, homes, and the respect of their neighbors--who no doubt thought they were crazy.

Lord--May I be so crazy as to risk all that I have and the respect of my friends to follow the star to You! Even so, lead me to You by whatever means are available! Amen, and amen.