Christian Devotional - The Wise Men

Today as we look at the final installment of our Christmas series, we're looking at the journey of the wise men. Perseverance is the word of the day with this one.




Matthew 2:1-12--Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”




When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; for out of you shall come forth a ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.’




Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me so that I too may come worship Him.”




After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they presented to Him gifts of gold frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a cream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.






Right now as I write this, I am sitting in an airport getting ready for a flight back home. The flight itself will take about an hour and a half, then I'll be home with my family. Granted I am very motivated to get there, but most scholars believe that the journey the magi took lasted 2 years. I can't even begin to comprehend a journey that took two years, one way. These magi saw the star that coincided with the birth of Jesus and they decided that this was so important and so worthwhile that they had to make the trip to see Him. Their journey took two years through some treacherous areas. They were carrying valuables and they were at risk for bandits and robbers. Every night they camped under the stars. They journeyed for 2 years this way with no other direction than a star in the heavens.




They did reach their destination and they presented their gifts and worshipped the precious Son of God. They persevered through the difficulties and the hardships just to have the opportunity to worship God.




Do we persevere? Do we see our goal of praising and worshipping God as so precious that we would be willing to embark on any type of journey just for the chance to praise Him?




As we look back over the ideas found in the Christmas story, we find so many lessons about trusting God.


Mary—faith in the unknown


Joseph—faith in the known


Jesus' birth—trusting the promises of God


Shepherds—expect the unexpected


Wise Men—perseverance




As we celebrate Christmas this week, be sure to take some time to give Jesus a gift. Evaluate yourself next to these characteristics and see how you stack up. Confess any areas of sin, and commit to obeying Him in every area of your life, after all, he's worth it.


Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker

Living in the World – Living out the Word

Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook pagewww.BooksByAmanda.com