The Magi
By Another Way
And
being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way
(Matthew 2:12 ESV).
The Magi are part of
Christmas manger scenes, but they did not visit Jesus at the same time as the
shepherds. They came years later to a house in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:11).
Led by an unusually bright
star, they traveled over the desert for many months, without modern
transportation or fancy hotels, seeking the “King of the Jews.” In Jerusalem,
their inquiries attracted the concern of King Herod who told them, "Go to
Bethlehem and when you have found the child, bring me word, that I too may come
and worship him."
When the Magi saw Jesus,
they fell down, worshiping him, and gave him gifts. Afterward God warned them
in a dream not to return to Herod. They went home by another way.
I've always wondered about
that trip home. Did their visit with Jesus change their lives?
The first time Jesus became
real to me was at a service where a call went out for missionaries. I found
myself in tears and went to the altar even though I knew I wasn't called to be
a missionary. When I told the leaders this, they had me sit to one side and
went off to speak to the others. They didn't realize I had responded to a call
from God. Nothing seemed to change. I went home the same way.
I believe my spirit was
reborn at that time. Years later I discovered that God desired to commune with
me regularly through prayer, the Bible, other Christians, books, and websites
like this one!
How about you? Has something
you've read this Christmas stirred a desire to meet Jesus or have you recalled
memories of an experience you had years ago? Has your life changed? Do you
commune with Him? Will you go into the new year by another way?
DIG DEEPER:
- Are you willing to journey
wherever God leads to see the Son? Read John 3:6-21 and 6:37-39.
- Read
2 Corinthians 4:6. How does God show Himself to us?
- Read
Colossians 1:9-20. This is what I am praying for you.