Week Five ~ Seek ~ Day Four

Matthew 2:9-11a
After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.

So why talk about the wise men when Christmas has come and gone? We usually include the story of the wise men as part of the Christmas story, bringing them to the manger right along with the shepherds. Most scholars believe that they probably did not see Jesus until around two years after His birth.

Yesterday we considered the possible significance of the gifts the wise men brought to the little King. However, there are other interesting things that often are overlooked. Have you noticed in the story that the wise men came eagerly looking for God? How often do we "go looking" for God? Many of us sit around and wait for God to come looking for us.

And does it not seem strange that they are anonymous? Tradition names them Melchior, Balthazar and Gaspar, but the Bible nowhere tells us their names. They found the child, worshipped, gave him gifts, and then they quietly left to return home. What? Didn’t they understand what a news opportunity this was? They probably could have at least garnered some endorsements for camel feed companies or something!

Perhaps they, being wise, understood a principles that Jesus spoke of later. "Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men." (Matthew 6:2)

Prayer: Lord, help me to seek you with purpose and passion. When you allow me to do something significant, help me not to make sure everyone I know hears about it. Amen

Challenge: Spend some time seeking God. Read a short scripture passage, watching for what word or phrase stands out to you. Then meditate in silence for awhile. Then pray whatever is in your heart.