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 2:11, ESV)
Wise Men still seek him! During Epiphany, we remember the visit of the Wise Men to the baby Jesus. These Wise Men were astronomers, philosophers, and scientists. They were seekers of wisdom and knowledge. And the greatest of all wisdom and knowledge would be found in the baby born in Bethlehem.
When the star appeared in the sky, they remember Numbers 24:17, which they had read in the Jewish Scriptures:
“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: A STAR shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel…” (Numbers 24:17, ESV)
So the Wise Men set out to Jerusalem to find the one who was born king. Their journey would bring them to an encounter with Jesus. Jesus promises that those who seek will find (see Matthew 7:7). That promise is for us. If we seek him, we will find him.
So often we focus on the star that led these men. But more than the star, it was the Scripture that led them. It was the prophecy from Numbers that pointed them to the significance of the star. And when they arrived in Jerusalem, it was Micah 5:2 that pointed them to the birthplace in Bethlehem.
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” (Micah 5:2, ESV)
Jesus wants to guide you. He wants to direct your paths. He wants to lead you to know, serve, and worship him. Open the Word! Let Jesus speak his wisdom into your life. So whether a star or other sign appears in your life, you will recognize it for what it is and be able to follow where God is leading you.
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