In recalling the Christmas story I have been intrigued with the adventures of the visitors from the east. They travelled a long distance in search of someone foretold to them as outlined in Matthew 2. The visitors may be known as astrologers, wise men, the magi, those who pray in silence and are monk like mystics. Matthew does not give an exact number but there could have been one, 12 or more.
During the Christmas festivities the magi are portrayed as three kings offering gifts to Jesus of gold, frankincense, myrrh, having central roles in the nativity plays acted out in schools and churches. We also find that modern advertisers don’t miss a trick and use them in lots of commercials and TV programmes.
In this insight I want us to think about a number of points that can be drawn from the journey of the astrologers and how it can relate to a clarity of faith in an otherwise confused situation.
Forth telling. (Prophesy) The bible is full of references that have been used and applied as a promise to be fulfilled in a future tense. When the prophecies have come to pass they are used as a reference point from the past for a present understanding.
In Numbers 24 v 17 the prophecy reads, ‘I shall see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near – a star shall come out of Jacob and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel.’
Jeremiah 23 v 5 looks to a time when ‘a righteous Branch shall reign as a wise, just and righteous king.’
Zechariah 9 v 9 ‘Lo your king comes to you, humble and riding on a donkey.’
The magi would have studied such teachings and built up a case that a future king was to be born under a star and that they should find the star and offer homage to him as outlined in the well-known Carol “We three kings.” We also know that many people look to their own ‘stars’ for guidance on a daily basis and for a future outcome.
So the mysterious men started a journey of faith that took them thousands of miles from where they lived to the town of Bethlehem via Jerusalem. It would have been very costly for them in time and money. They would have faced lots of risks and dangers to overcome individually and as a group. In finding the star, that represented God’s guidance for them, they offered their worship to baby Jesus and have earned for themselves a place in history and numerous nativity plays. Today wise people still seek Jesus.
Wise people ask
When the magi arrived in Jerusalem they asked a question: Where is the king to be born? The small inhabitants of Jerusalem were afraid and King Herod felt threatened. Herod initiated a meeting with the men so that he could ascertain for himself every detail as to where and when the King was to be born. His intent was not to worship but to annihilate. In times of confusion it is important to ask questions and try to understand any answers offered.
Wise people seek
The star in the sky shone brightly acting as a guide for the men to follow leading to Bethlehem. (“House of bread”) The town in its day was quite insignificant yet was to become known worldwide as the birthplace of Jesus.
In Micah 5 v 2 we read ‘you O Bethlehem, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel.’
The magi asked a further question in their seeking and received an unexpected answer. After offering up their gifts of thanksgiving and worship, the Lord told them not to return to Herod but go home via a different route because they would be in danger from him. People are still seeking peace, wellbeing and happiness which can be found in the baby Jesus and the crucified Christ.
Wise people find
When we search for guidance and meaning in life we will ask a lot of stretching questions. However, for many the last place questions are asked, to find an answer, is before the Lord himself. In the book of James 4 v 8 it tells us that as we ‘draw near to God he will draw near to us’ and questions will be answered. In the finding we have to have the courage to embrace faith and then work it out in our personal lives.
So there is a difference between the wise and unwise. The unwise often avoid asking, seeking and finding and trusting that ‘ignorance is and can be bliss.’ Another approach is not to ask questions at all or to ask a question that only solicits an answer that suits our own particular belief.
When we are seeking clarity in the midst of any confusion, a wise approach may be to find a star that brings light to darkness and despair.
In times of confusion we may be overcome by our own self-concerns which can subdue our worship to the Lord. As we experience clarity our worship will become renewed and take us into a deeper faith and belief that rises above our own personal circumstances.
As we celebrate Christmas this year may the light of Christ shine in the darkness we experience and take us forward wiser and clearer in our faith and circumstances.
Selah (Pause to calmly think about what has been read)
Graham
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