Wise men/women still seek the Lord Jesus Christ

“Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. This happened while Herod was king of Judea. After Jesus’ birth, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is the child who has been born to be king of the Jews? When we were in the east, we saw his star. Now we have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:1-2).

There is some mystery surrounding these Magi from the east. A strong tradition exists that they were oriental princes. There is an indication that they were rich – especially if one takes note of their gifts. These Magi were ancient astronomers. In contrast to the modern science of astronomy they would probably now rather be regarded as astrologers. However, when exercising their primitive science they made   certain observations. There is no indication that their religion or knowledge of biblical prophecies played any role at all. Through practicing their science, they were led to Jesus.

It is so tragic that today science is actually the reason why some people are becoming alienated from God. One should think that the wonder and mystery of God and His creation would become all the more irrefutable the further a telescope could see or the greater a microscope could reveal. More extensive knowledge about both the macrocosm and the microcosm makes it all the more clear to us that there really is a great and wonderful Creator behind it all. If science is properly understood and seen in the right context, it should not be considered to be in opposition to God. In fact, it forms part of His revelation. His objective is to encourage researchers and practitioners to search for the One who brought it all about. As the Wise Men from the east, God wants to lead people through their profession and through science to the apex of His revelation – to Jesus Christ, His Son.

When the Magi from the east heard about the birth of the Saviour, they were willing to leave what they were doing and go for Him. They traveled from afar to come and see Him; distance wasn’t an issue with them. Today people complain about taking a bus to get to church or even driving their car. How times have changed!

These men were worshipers and realized that you do not worship this King from afar, no, they wanted to get close to Him in their worship. Most  Christians today, do not know what worship really is. Worship is very vital in our Christian life; without worship we will not become what God wants us to be. Worship requires giving; Matthew 2:11 says; “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh”. Their worship would not have been ‘complete’ if they had not given of their treasure. Do you suppose that this is true today? Can we worship Christ today when we are stingy with God? They gave in great quality, as well as quantity. So many today give God the leftovers. These men opened their treasures and gave gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Worship requires giving freely. That which they gave was of great value. What have we given God that is of great value? To give to God means that we give Him all there is of us – All that we have, all that we are, our time, our talent, our treasure.

When Herod sent them out to find the king they were not prepared to compromise the kingdom for the world. There are so many Christians that are working in the market place and no one even knows they are Christians; these men were not ashamed to say who it was they were seeking.

They left all and followed the star. Revelation 22:16 tells us that Jesus is the Bright and Morning Star. Can we truly say that we have left all to follow Him? The proof will be found in our priorities; in what or who comes first in our lives.

When they saw the star they rejoiced with exceeding joy. In other words they valued the Saviour. Do we take our salvation for granted? Is the cross  of any effect? Have we become so familiar with His grace and our salvation that they mean little to us? When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. The whole-hearted joy of wise men and women is their pursuit of God. Jeremiah 29:13: … “you shall seek me, and find [me], when you shall search for me with all your heart.”

The wise men came to Him bearing gifts. One of the character traits of God is that He is a giver. John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” We should not just be givers at Christmas but all year round.

To these men, God’s warning superseded the word of the king. They knew the value of listening to God’s word. Do you understand the value of listening to God’s word? “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels” (Prov. 1:5) “Give instruction to a wise men, and he will be yet wiser” (Prov. 9:9). “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he that hearkeneth unto wise counsel is wise” Prov. 12:15. Wise men and women depart from Jesus changed. “They departed into their own country another way” (Mathew 2:12). They were changed by their experience. Are you changed by your experience when  you meet face to face with Him? When a person comes into direct contact with Jesus, conversion will take place in him.

Unfortunately, today men have stopped seeking Jesus. Even in Christendom, it would appear that many regard God as an option. Christians today put money, work, careers, education, husbands, wives and even their pursuit of happiness and success before Christ. Some fail to understand that we are only pilgrims and sojourners in this world; we are just passing  through (Hebrews 11:3) on our way to another land called Heaven. On our way through this land called earth we need to understand that there is nothing in this world that we can take with us where we are going except souls.

Jesus said in Luke 12:15 “that a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things which he possesses”. That is very different from what the world teaches. The world would say that the more you have materially, the more successful you are. And so many Christians have bought into the deception. Instead of teaching values to our children, we teach them greed and lust; so when they can’t afford a thing themselves, they resort to theft and even murder to get it.

We have to realize that material possessions alone will never make us feel fulfilled and truly happy if we don’t have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. The difference between the wise men and the foolish   men is that the wise men or women realize the void in their hearts that cannot be filled or satisfied by things or by people. Wise men or women realize that their names will be called one day and they will have to leave behind everything that they have accumulated on this earth. Wise men or women understand that God is not an option. They understand that they have been purchased by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. They are not their own; they belong to Him and are happy to do His will. They understand the principles of giving; so for them, they give all year round and not just on one day. They demonstrate peace and goodwill to everyone throughout the year and not just for one day.

This year, as you go about your life, take a moment and spare a thought for those less fortunate than yourself and show the world that wise men and women still seek, worship and serve the Lord of lords and the King of kings.

Have a taste of the joy this New Year that are for those who walk faithfully with the Lord.

Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon

S.Igein Isemede