Jesus had unexpected seekers following his birth. These men were not Jews but Gentiles from the east. Matthew 2:1Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” [1]
The Wise Men, also known as the Magi, were non-Jewish scholars who specialized in the study of the stars. God in His sovereign will drew the Wise Men to Jesus by a miraculous star that announced the birth of the King. The fact that the Wise Men were drawn to Jesus is a testimony to God’s love for humanity. He draws people to His Son, where life can be found. Traveling a long way at a significant cost, including gifts for the newborn King, reveals the Wise Men’s hearts. Not only did the Lord provide information about the new King, but He also gave them a sign to follow—a star.
Today, you may be searching, or perhaps you have been in the past, for what life is all about. It’s often during difficult circumstances or when people seek the meaning of life that they turn to the Lord, and He draws them to Himself.
Seeking the Lord
At some point, God inspired the Wise Men to learn about the King’s birth. After discussing it among themselves, they embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey. They were traveling to find the newborn King, worship Him, and bring Him gifts. As the Wise Men traveled daily following the star, you can only imagine their campfire conversations.
Although many might say the Wise Men were seeking the newborn King, they were really responding to God’s pull on their hearts. The same can be said for people today as they surrender their lives to Jesus. David’s words give us insight into what happens in our hearts as we seek the Lord.
Psalm 61:1O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. [2] The Wise Men’s long journey was a genuine search for the newborn King, unaware that God was transforming them.
Responding to God’s Call
When we seek the Lord, it starts with God drawing us to Himself. As individuals, we have free will and can choose to seek the Lord or turn away. Whenever our lives involve change, there is often a fear of the unknown. We see this in Peter when the Lord called him to be a disciple.
Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.”[3] I don’t think Peter’s reaction is unusual, but what does Jesus say to Peter? Luke 5:10“Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!”[4] As people seek the Lord today, He also says, “Don’t be afraid.”
To learn how the baby Jesus had unexpected seekers, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-gift-of-seeking
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.