Dusk Til Dawn: The Promise — Thursday
Matthew 2:1
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem… (ESV)
It’s a common misconception that the “three wise men” were at the manger with Mary and Joseph on the night of Jesus’ birth. Remember, the shepherds were the first on the scene (Luke 2); the wise men arrived sometime after he was born (Matthew 2:1). They didn’t show up until days, weeks, or likely months later. (I’m sure first-time parents Mary and Joseph preferred that!) So as you drive around looking at Christmas lights this year, be sure to point out all the inaccurate nativity scenes!
When they came was not as important as that they came. Think about it. These men saw a star in the sky, felt God telling them to go, and left everything to travel hundreds of miles. On camels. Through the desert.
Remember—no planes, trains, or automobiles back then. Jesus’ birth announcement wasn't in the papers, wasn't on the evening news. Just a star in the sky and a gut feeling. I’m sure there were more than a few moments of second-guessing. A few thoughts of turning back. And I’m sure one of them said, “So if this whole thing doesn’t work out, what’s the return policy on all this gold, frankincense, and myrrh?”
Corny joke aside, those gifts were important. We can’t assume that they were infused with deep symbolic meaning (such as myrrh for burial). But we do know that gold, frankincense, and myrrh were all costly; these men sacrificed time, money, and safety to find the King and offer Him the best gifts they had. Their hearts were ready to worship.
Eventually, the star “came to rest over the place where the child was.” They entered the house and bowed down to worship Him. If there is symbolism in the gifts, we can point to the prophecy of Psalm 72 that the nations would come to know a king greater than Solomon, bringing gifts and falling before him (Psalm 72:10-11).
God used a star of supernatural origin to celebrate a supernatural birth, and these stargazers took notice. They may not have known all the answers, but they put their faith into practice. They didn’t let Herod deceive them, they didn’t let distance deter them, and they showed they were willing to follow wherever God may lead them. What a lesson for us to learn.
Wise men still seek Him.
Thursday’s Reflection
Are you actively seeking Jesus yourself? Being a follower of Jesus is not about a one-time decision; it’s a daily decision to follow wherever He is leading. You don’t have to travel thousands of miles to find Him—He has come near to you.
