Who Did the Wise Men Seek?
Ask. Seek. Knock. These familiar words from scripture filtered through my mind as I read about the wise men from the East.
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-2, MSG)
Carols romanticize their journey, but traversing hostile territory for months or even years left a band of mysterious travelers vulnerable to ill-meaning enemies and a hostile environment. Sand storms. Raiders. A limited food supply.
Still, men following after nothing more than a star and the certainty of conviction sought the infant king, Jesus.
Ask. Seek. Knock.
Who Did the Wise Men Seek?
Bold in their quest for the Promise of salvation, the men stirred up hatred within King Herod’s heart and fostered fear in the lives of those comfortable with the status quo. After all, an infant King threatened the power and position of a man with a bent toward fits of rage and murder.
Neglecting their own safety, the foreigners pressed hard for answers.
Ask. Seek. Knock.
Whether they arrived at the child’s home with an entourage of camels and servants in tow or were merely a couple of bedraggled, travel-worn seekers, the men must have paused at the threshold of the simple village home.
They knew. This moment would forever alter both their lives and their eternal destiny.
Ask. Seek. Knock.
Who Are We Seeking and Why?
And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. (Matthew 2:11 NIV)
Like wise men on a pilgrimage, we’ll wander into hostile territory. Face enemies of disease, distress, and difficulty. But, if Christ is our focus we can pursue him relentlessly–certain of a destination that ends with us in the glory of His presence as we offer our humble gifts of love and adoration.
Ask. Seek. Knock.
Thoughts to Ponder
What is your heart’s cry today? Is there something God longs to give you, but your pride, fear, or unbelief has kept you from asking for it?
Do you continue to seek Christ with the passion and devotion of the wise men or are you struggling to follow after faith? What action step can you take today to seek Him?
Do you raise your hand to knock at the door only to turn away because you believe you’re unworthy? Christ stepped out of heaven and into a manger because He loves you–just as you are. Abandon your baggage at the threshold, Friend. He took it from you at the cross–you can leave it there.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
My Favorite Christmas Cookie/Candy Recipes and a Gift Guide for the Book Lover!
I adore Christmas traditions. One of my favorites includes baking cookies with the family. I’ve recorded some family favorites on printable recipe cards and have linked to some others we enjoy below.
The Blythe Daniel Agency has compiled an amazing gift guide for the book lover on your Christmas list. A few favorite books included in this brochure are the Make Up Your Mind Book & Study Guide by Denise Pass and Michelle Neitert, Made for Eden by Dr. Bryan McIntosh, and Shift: Changing Our Focus to See the Presence of God by Abby McDonald.
You’ll find something for everyone on your list—including yourself!
Recent Articles
I’ve linked my most recent articles posted to Crosswalk and Bible study tools linked below. I hope they encourage your heart!
Does God Really Say ‘No Good Thing Will He Withhold?
I halted mid-sentence as I considered the words, “no good thing will he withhold.” One son bears the burden of mental illness while a beloved parent struggles through a second round of chemotherapy. My prayers about each of these situations seem to remain unanswered.
Has the Lord withheld His lovingkindness despite the scripture’s promise?
What Does the Bible Mean by ‘My God Will Supply All My Needs?’
How could a man who endured such hardship maintain that God would “supply every need”? Because in each challenging situation Paul faced, the Lord gave him the strength to endure and the necessities required for survival.
A Favorite Festive Photo
Some neighbors around the corner decorate for every holiday with great zest! (I’ll update you when they change the blow-ups.)
May God bless you and yours this Christmas as we celebrate our King!
Peace and grace,
Tammy
Love this, Tammy. Merry Christmas!
So glad you enjoyed it. Merry Christmas, Barbara! <3