Seek Like the Magi
Hide & Seek was always a favorite game for my sisters and I. We loved when Dad would play because we were never sure what new hiding place he would find. When we couldn't find him, he would jump out yelling & trap us. You’ve never heard screaming such as that of three little girls cornered by their roaring father.
But it wasn’t a game for the Magi, they were seeking a new King.
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,
Saying, “Where is He who was born King of the Jews?
For we have seen His star in the East and have some to worship Him.”
Matthew 2:1-2
There isn’t a lot of back story for the Magi. We don’t even know how many of them came looking for Jesus. We do know that they saw the star & knew that it was important. They began to seek even when they didn’t fully understand. They could feel the worth of what was to be found as it weighed upon their hearts. Yes, a King. But what kind of king was deserving of such a glorious star in the heavens?
Anyone with kids knows how hard a child looks for something...try barely at all. If it can't be found, they give up and ask for help. Not the Magi. They were persistent in the seeking. They traveled many miles, sought audience with a king and waited for information to point them in the right direction. They continued until they found Him. And then they bowed low and worshiped.
The Wise Men were prepared seekers. Unsure of exactly what they would find, they had gifts ready. They came prepared with their very best. No expense was spared.
What do you seek this Christmas season? Security? Hope? Healing? Truth? Whatever the prize, I guarantee the answer is found in Jesus. So, seek wholeheartedly even when you don’t fully understand. Be persistent. Don't give up when the answer isn't found right away. Seek prepared with your very best for the King.
Just a side note - another angle of the story...some scholars think that the Magi knew to look for the King of the Jews because of Jews still living in Babylon. If they were from the Babylonian area they would have known of Daniel & his prophecies. The testimony of the Jews was the reason the Magi went seeking in the first place. Maybe you aren’t the one seeking this season. Maybe you have found your King. Maybe you could be the reason people seek the King.
So That God may be found!
Ask and it shall be given you;
Seek and you shall find;
Knock and it shall be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7
