We Three Kings
Read: Matthew 2:1-12
Most boxed nativity sets include three “wise men” or “magi” which is actually quite surprising. The Magi were an ancient order of star-gazers from Babylon who made a living interpreting dreams and foretelling the future. By the first century, their reputation had deteriorated toward “snake oil salesmen” who told customers what they wanted to hear in order to make a buck. Most people did not view them as honorable, and certainly, no one viewed them as godly.
The Magi WERE NOT in the same “box” as Jesus. Their travels to the manger were far both physically and spiritually. Yet in God’s mercy, they arrived due to a carefully constructed divine plan.
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- 1400 years before Jesus’ birth, Balaam issued a prophecy about a star rising for the Messiah. This led Jews to expect a real star would one day be a sign that Messiah had arrived.
- 700 years before Jesus’ birth, Micah prophesied the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem.
- 600 years before Jesus’ birth, the Jews were conquered by the Babylonians whose foreign policy was to take the best and brightest captives back to Babylon to work for the improvement of their culture. One such captive was Daniel. After demonstrating his ability to interpret dreams, Nebuchadnezzar promoted Daniel to overseer of the Magi (Daniel 2:48). In this position, Daniel would have shared his understanding of Jewish prophecy, which would have then been passed from generation to generation of Magi.
In contrast to the Gentile Magi, the Jewish priests and scribes WERE in the same “box” as Jesus. They were physically just down the road from Bethlehem and spent hours studying scripture, yet they missed the manger.
This Christmas, are you FAR from the Savior? Do you realize that God has been working since the foundation of the world to get the message of salvation to you?
Or, have you grown up inside the church and NEAR to the Savior? Do you realize that it is possible to look like you belong, but lack a genuine relationship with Christ?
Whether you are FAR or NEAR, the life of Christ, the preservation of God’s Word, the sending of the Holy Spirit, and the influence of others has served as a “star” to invite you to the manger. Will you follow the signs God has given and worship Jesus as “King, and God, and sacrifice?”
We Three Kings
We three kings of orient are,
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
Oh, star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide with thy perfect light.
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain,
Gold I bring to crown him again
King for ever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.
Frankincense to offer have I,
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Pray’r and praising, all men raising,
Worship him, God most high.
Myrrh is mine: its bitter perfume,
Breathes a life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Sounds through the earth and skies.
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