The Wisdom of Seeking the Messiah
Graphics above copied from What Saith the Scripture, "And Wise Men Came Bearing Gifts" by Tom duBois is provided courtesy of Christ-Centered Art" ---New Window.
Read Luke 2:8-16 and Matthew 2:1,2, 9-11
Did you ever wonder how it came to be that the shepherds and the wise men were mentioned in the story of Jesus’ birth as the ones who were to notice and welcome his arrival? Why not the people of the town of Bethlehem? Why didn’t anyone there know of the grand event about to take place amidst their population? Why didn’t the innkeeper recognize them?
I mean, for a people who were waiting for the coming of the Messiah, and for a people who were devout and practiced in the Jewish faith, why didn’t they know when the event was to take place? Didn’t they see the same bright star that called the shepherds and guided the wise men? It was practically in their back yards! It was right over them!
I think the answer can be found in what the shepherds and the wise men were doing when the star’s bright light caught their attention.
Shepherds in the field, were tending their flocks on gently rolling hills under a vast spread of dark sky and points of light, when the angel of the Lord appeared to them and brought them the good news. They immediately went to Bethlehem to discover what had happened.
The wise men, stargazers who knew the paths of the stars in the sky, studied the unusual celestial display, and understood that something phenomenal had taken place in the world. They traveled to Jerusalem to worship the new king, but were redirected to Bethlehem, where they found him.
The shepherds and the wise men were doing the work they were accustomed to doing. They all had their eyes turned to the skies. Noticing the brilliant light, they followed it to its source, and there found the babe who would take away all the sins of the world. They worshipped him in the quiet of the night, and left him gifts.
We must be like the shepherds and the wise men. We must continue what we normally do, living our life in the way we have been called. Whether tending our sheep in the field or studying the universe, we must also keep our eyes on Jesus. Unless we are looking to him, we will not see his magnificent glory in our lives or in the lives of others.
Without Jesus, we are like the people in Bethlehem who didn’t know, turning away the unborn Christ child.
I am like the innkeeper. I wonder how many “unborn” Christians I have turned away because I did not recognize Jesus in their lives?
Prayer: Father, as we work through each day, help us to see the Christ in others. May we become better servants and light bearers. This Advent, may we in expectation of your glory welcome the stranger who comes into our life. Amen.
Magi walkingted States of America
1 comment:
Wonderul entry Bea!:):):):)
I think that your points are very well taken.
I find it, by the way, difficult to talk about these things to someone who has not experienced them. I do love the story and the bright light is certainly cool!:):):):)
I actually think that it gives the story much more credence that the wise mend were not from that village , but traveled from far away as you mentioned!
and thank you so much for hosting my blog!
You are such an interesting and inspirational writer!
And you've inspired others to write about their experiences!
Any chance you and Caroline and your friends form Australia down under would care to join in the fun?
We should get Guido in on it too!
love,natalie
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