Three wise men visited Jesus Matthew 2:7-10
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
The Magi, who had travelled so far from Persia, eventually arrived. God’s special guidance had been confirmed by the Scriptures and led them to a house in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:3-8) – where they found Jesus. Even though they were important and wealthy people, they bowed low to the ground and exalted Jesus as the Lord, the Messiah of Israel.
They presented their expensive gifts: gold for a king, frankincense for worship, and myrrh for burial. Practically, these would probably provide the necessary finance for Joseph, Mary and Jesus when they fled to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15); but they were also a parable of the Saviour’s life and death. The wise men could not have known the appropriateness of what they offered; but God did.
Although Herod had demanded to know the location of the young Messiah (Matthew 2:8), God would not allow the Magi to go back to Jerusalem. Instead they frustrated the murderous plot on Jesus’ life by slipping out of the country and quietly going back home. Their job was complete. They had worshipped God’s chosen King and provided for His welfare; at the same time as showing Mary and Joseph a parable of what was to come.
God is always in command. When people hear and respond to His Word, He leads them far better than they will ever know. His purposes are to bless His people and enable them to work with Him for His glory. But He will often use far stranger ways than we can ever comprehend at the time. So do not be disturbed by not understanding His methods. Continue to trust the guidance He gives and look for His Word to confirm it. Allow Him to bring all the circumstances together in His own special way. It will stir you to worship as you see His purposes starting to be fulfilled.
Prayer
Gracious God. Thank You for guiding me better than I could ever imagine. Forgive me for doubting You when I have not understood Your methods, believing that my limited understanding is superior to Your infinite wisdom. Please help me to trust You day by day, weighing the circumstances against what You say in the Bible. May I persevere even though I feel weak, believing that I am completely safe in You; so that You can fulfil Your purposes for me, in me, and through me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
