December 18, 2021
This is an unlikely bunch. Respected by kings, but not royalty themselves (Daniel 2:2). These are men who studied the stars! Some magi did not worship the God of Abraham, so it was likely that they studied the stars like an astrologer would (believing the stars rule our lives). Daniel and his school were most likely different because they acknowledged that God created the stars. They were more like astronomers. Regardless, magi were very well educated and wealthy. Quite the opposite in lifestyle from that of Jesus' first visitors, the shepherd priests.
God often calls and uses the unlikely because the unlikely make God evident and bring him glory. Jesus is to be praised and worshiped by all people (Philippians 2:9-11); this has been the plan for all God's creation since the beginning of time.
Could they have been called to worship because of their steadfast hope to see the consolation of Israel by the promised Messiah? (Daniel 9:24-27) Perhaps Daniel taught his students when to look, what to be looking for, and why this quest was so vital. The teachings of Daniel would have been greatly respected and preserved.
It seems the Magi came because they desired to. It was an honor to them. It's as if they knew this was what they were born for, and they eagerly awaited this moment their entire lives. Otherwise, they never would have traveled such great lengths.
It's likely God provided the financial means for Mary, Joseph and Jesus to survive the trip to Egypt and back by the generous gifts of the Magi. Giving these expensive gifts would not have been much of a sacrifice for these magi, and depending on the quantities, the worth would have been in the million dollar range by today's standards.
And what if...
What if one of the reasons God included the star and the magi was for our benefit--so we could see some part of this story with our own eyes? You see, because of technology, we can now go back in time and look at star placements. From any location on earth, we can look at the location of the stars on any date. That means we could see exactly what the Magi saw. Maybe that same star would lead some of us to Jesus just as it had lead the magi thousands of years ago. Perhaps, God had us in mind. (Psalm 139:17) I believe he did. What a God we have! He loves you, my friend. He pursues each of us, and it is like nothing else imaginable.
Psalm 139:16 says, God journaled about your life by day and did the same for each one of us. Are you thankful for the story he has written about you? What is He teaching you lately?
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