“When they (the Magi) saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts; gold and frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10-11
Now just to be clear, this event happen almost 2 years after Jesus’ birth but this event is one of many that reveals the power of Christ to draw His people to Himself from all places. Now, whether they were magicians or astrologers or kings counselors; or whether there were 3, 7, or 12 of them, it makes zero difference. The Magi were wise men, and they show us the way of true wisdom—answering THE call on their hearts by seeking the Christ child, the incarnation of all Wisdom; and then worshipping Him with everything they had.
The Magi show us the posture we are to assume BUT it will take all eternity to even begin to give Him the worship He deserves, and that is a good thing because THEN we will never be idle again. For He is our wisdom from God for us—that is, “And because of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption…” (1 Cor. 1:30). Because of Him, we are alive, forgiven, and free. Because of Him, we are welcome, known, and loved.
The Magi came seeking Jesus…the One born King of the Jews… because He drew them to Himself which is at the heart of the Christmas story. Jesus came into the broken world not merely offering salvation, but to actually redeem His Bride…that Bride that comes from every period of history, and every family of humanity.
Come Herod or high water, those for whom He came to save will come to Him. Drawn by providence with the face of pain, the witness of a friend, or very ordinary circumstances…Jesus’ every-nation cannot-be-numbered Bride will gather at the wedding feast of the Lamb.
On this 4th Monday of Advent, we bow in awe of His matchless glory and measureless grace. And I ask Him, on your behalf, that He would continue to open the eyes of your hearts today to behold even more of His splendor and to expand the chambers of your hearts to make room for more of the wonders of His love.
And I also pray today, the He would free us to be as generous and as joyful as the Magi in offering our grace filled best….that He might liberate us to love as He has loved us and to forgive as He has forgiven us. He drew us to Himself to bring us salvation and give us an eternity for us to praise His Holy Name.
Merry Christmas!
In His Grip,
Pastor Mike
