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Daily devotional · January 6

Wise Ones Still Seek Him

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of My people Israel.’ ” Then Herod called the Magi secretly and learned from them the exact time the star had appeared. And sending them to Bethlehem, he said: “Go and search carefully for the Child, and when you find Him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship Him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great delight. On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their country by another route.”
Matthew 2:1-12 (BSB)Read the whole chapter →

Many churches remember Epiphany around this date, the revealing of Christ to the nations. Matthew tells of magi from the east who followed a star and asked where the king of the Jews had been born. They were outsiders, yet they traveled far, brought costly gifts, and bowed in worship. Meanwhile the scholars in Jerusalem knew where the Messiah would be born but did not make the short trip to Bethlehem. Knowing about Jesus and seeking Jesus are different things. The magi also returned home by another route, a picture of how meeting Christ redirects a life. Today, ask yourself what you are willing to travel for. Set aside a quiet quarter hour, and instead of only asking God for something, give Him something: your attention, thanks, and a plain act of worship. Then notice what changes in you.

Prayer

Jesus, King of all nations, I come to worship You. Lead me by another road if You must. Amen.

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