The Magi's Search, Day 14

Read: Matthew 2:1-12

As Mary's pregnancy progressed, a group of secular individuals, magi, made it their practice to study the stars. More than likely of Chaldean descent, they were familiar with Daniel's prophecies. So when God aligned the stars to create a brilliant birth announcement, they were compelled to come and worship. Their quest would lead to a moment in the presence of King Herod where the leading religious leaders of the day, who would provide them with the information they needed to find the Savior – go to Bethlehem.

When the star they followed pointed to Jesus, they rejoiced. They fell before Him, worshipping and giving gifts fit for a king: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The King of Glory had come down to sacrifice Himself as a man, becoming our Great High Priest, so that we could be reconciled to our Father in heaven. Who is more worthy of our worship than the King of kings and the Lord of lords?

It's interesting to note that it was not the religious who traveled the farthest to get to Jesus but the heathen. Despite the secular wise men reporting on the star and their willingness to follow it, nothing recorded indicates the religious people were even a bit curious, though they knew the words of prophecy. What an indictment that those who knew the most didn't recognize the day of their visitation, while those far off traveled a vast difference just to fall at the feet of the Holy Child.

What about you? Are you curious enough about what God is doing to leave all behind to follow His leading? Are you willing to fall at His feet in submission, honoring Jesus as the Sovereign Lord? Or are you compromising for a seat at Herod's table? Better to be on the back of a camel, uncomfortably searching, than seated on the plush pillow of compromise, seeking to appease a man diametrically opposed to everything you supposedly believe.