Wise Men (& Wise Women)

The Visit of the Wise Men


"In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”


When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:


‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.


When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road".

Fascination
 
The wise men had studied all about Jesus, they had read the prophets, diligently seeking truths about Him. They were earnest seekers, people who had minds that were open. Are you like the wise men this Christmas?  Are you seeking Him? If you are you will truly find Him. Maybe you are searching for the meaning of life, maybe you are asking the question,  'is there more to life than this'.
 

Well there is, the more is Jesus. He says in John 10:10, that He came to give life and to give it abundantly. Please read the wonderful  verses in John 10:1-14



Full of Joy
 
After all that searching, the wise men have found Jesus, they are totally overjoyed. After many miles and many months of traveling, they had come to the place of true peace, in the presence of the Savior of the world. Maybe you have come a long road and  come through so much, that doesn't matter, what matters is that you have come to the place where Jesus can transform your life.
 

To find Jesus and to know Him as Saviour and Lord is to know Joy overflowing. Let me say that after 25 years of knowing Jesus as Saviour and Lord, he still makes my heart leap for joy, the very thought of Him is so wonderful. He gives lasting joy, a joy that the world cannot replicate.



Faith
 
What is so good, is that the wise men went in to Jesus, they didn't stay outside. They were important people in their own country, they had prestige, but they fell down and worshiped Jesus, this is the only response one can give to Him.  The gifts of the wise men, are likened to our lives, which we give gladly unto our Saviour. If you haven't already then please go in to Jesus as He wants to receive you. If you have then just take a moment to go to Him and just spend time in His awesome presense; giving thanks that God sent Him to be with us ... now and forevermore!
 

John said in chapter 1 verse 12 of his gospel, that as many as received Him, He gave the power to become the sons of God. Jesus is the gift, but you have got to ask for the gift, if you are sincere, God will give you the greatest gift, Jesus will come by His spirit to live in your heart



Freedom
 
The Journey home must of been one of delight, these men were not the same men who came to see Jesus, they were different because they had been in His presence.  Everyone who comes into the presence of Jesus, is never the same again, He is the one who can transform your life, the only One who can. Be like the wise men and have your lives transformed this Christmas.
 


Finally
 
Isa 9:6  For a child has been born - for us! the gift of a son - for us! He'll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness
 

Let me finish with a question? What is Jesus to you this Christmas? Is He the greatest gift you have ever received?   He is more than a gift, He is the giver of the gift of Life, true everlasting life, He promises to give you life in abundance. When you trust Him as Lord and Savior, he becomes your Counselor, your Friend and your peace.


What I have shared is far too important to push to one side. Please don't say, that there is another day, another time where I will trust Christ. Peter says in Acts 4, that today is the day of Salvation.. not tomorrow and not next year. It is time to decide my friends.


God bless you!