Matthew 2:1-12
There is only one place in the Bible where you can find the story of the Magi, also known to many as the “Wise Men.” In just twelve verses you find yourself exhilarated by pure wonder and awe of their mystical identity, strong discernment and obedience to simply follow a star to glorify the coming of Emmanuel.
Set apart and probably misunderstood by many, these Magi were not your typical sorcerers or astrologers, they were true men of Scripture. Following the prophecies of the skies dating all the way back to Daniel, the Magi’s accuracy and knowledge remained rooted in Holy Truth.
Can you imagine their excitement when this one, long awaited shining star arose in the evening sky? The faith and hope held from generation to generation had finally come.
These specific Magi were ordained for this special time in history and would begin their expedition to meet the true light of the world.
After a long and patient journey from the East, the light of the star led them to Jerusalem. They began asking around where the King was, and when King Herod received word of this pursuit, he was unsettled. When he was reminded by the scribes and chief priests what scriptures said about the Messiah being born, They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written through the prophet, ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come forth a ruler who will shepherd my people, Israel.’”
Herod then called a secret meeting with the Magi to learn of the time the star appeared. He instructed them to go to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child, and when you have found him, bring me word, so that I also may come and worship him.”
When they departed, suddenly the star from the East they had been following reappeared and went right before them until it came and stood over exactly where Jesus was living. They entered into the home with gifts and great joy and worshiped Him.
And it was through a dream that warned the Magi they should not return to Herod, and so they departed Bethlehem by another route.
Truth is light. And throughout all of scripture, light has always been used to deliver a message to see what exactly needed to be seen. And it was through the blazing light of a special star that became the compass leading the wise men to see and meet Jesus, the light of perfect love.
We all are born with an inner compass. It is the compass that leads us out of darkness when we cannot see, leads us out of confusion and into right direction, leads us out of pain and into healing. Our inner compass will always direct us back into the light. The journey of living in this world is never an easy one, but with the light of perfect love, we are able to discern, gain wisdom and insight, have dreams and vision to point us in the direction of destiny so we can live out our full potential and God-given designed purpose. Like the wise men, we have to make the time to listen, know the Word, ways and character of God, to wait expectantly and trust with our whole heart. Because God will always reveal to us who Jesus is and the Holy Spirit will always reveal to us who Jesus is like.
In this dark world, Jesus is our light.
And with Him living inside of us as light, there is only one thing we can also be, a light to the world.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
~ Stefanie Rodriguez