Wilmot First Presbyterian Church

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Magi

When our children are born, we send out announcements via our computers, social media, mail, phones and plain old word of mouth… God sends “angelgrams” (Luke 2:8-15) and supernovas, or comets or something big. On the receiving end of the celestial messages were some Eastern Magi. The Magi are said to have brought 3 gifts so tradition has taken that there were three of them. Tradition also says they were kings, (and even names: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar) but all we can really say is they were educated fellows from the East with considerable financial means.

Kings or not, three or not, they are quite remarkable in many ways. For all their smarts and creature comforts, they appear to be honest seekers.

Mary, Joseph and Jesus are living in a house (Matt. 2:11) by the time the Magi arrive. The Magi either got quite a heavenly jump on the delivery, or they are arriving some months after Jesus’ birth Scripture also tells us Herod kills all the boys under the age of three (Matt. 2:16) so it appears they were on the trail for some time, (although Herod would not have taken chances and history elsewhere records he never shied away from literal for figurative overkill). Even the most rapid dash to Bethlehem would be quite an undertaking so the costs and risks of such an expedition are not small. It would require quite a bit of time to travel and search, and a number of servants and supplies to support the expedition, in addition to the risk of traveling with the wealth to support the effort. It is not that unusual for people of wealth to leave on an adventure or spend a great sum in the pursuit of it, but Scripture is pretty clear it was not adventure which propelled this quest. The Magi were seeking contact with God and eager to worship anyone important enough that even the heavens were broadcasting his arrival.

These Magi would know every comfort available, but neither their money, their knowledge, their power, their land, nor anything else had filled their deepest need. What lies at the bottom of every soul is the desire to know and be known by our Creator. God baked that desire right into us. We often try to bury that desire in “things.” We get ourselves caught up in the pursuit of more wealth, more power, more knowledge, more “stuff” and then wonder why there remains an emptiness and persistent longing inside. What makes these scholar Magi “wise men” is not the knowledge that fills their heads, it’s the recognition of their hearts and their need. The Magi were wise enough to seek the only balm for a wounded soul and put their lives and all they had into the search.

Scripture never gives the number of the Magi seeing Christ. Perhaps that is because the number of Magi is still growing. As long as seekers, rich or poor, are willing to risk all in order to connect with the Living God, the Magi keep coming. Now we do not all share their resources, and we find ourselves at different points along the trail, but we share the same quest to quench the same thirst. The good news for all is that the King of the Jews is still available for those who will seek him, and you don’t even have to travel, much less ride a donkey because he stands at the door and knocks. (Rev. 3:20)

Prayer: How is it that the one who formed the stars wants to be known by me? Heavenly Dayspring, You are too wonderful for words and I need Your help to seek You with all my heart. Find me so that I can find You. Help me to be wise and seek the one thing that can fill my soul, Your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name I pray.

Activity: What is the “stuff” you seek to fill your longing? Give some of it away and see if you feel richer or poorer for doing so.