Scripture

And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was.

Observation

Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the reign of King Herod. Some wise men or Magi arrive in Jerusalem asking to see the newborn King of the Jews.

Herod is disturbed by this, so he calls together his advisors and asks them where the Messiah is to be born. “In Bethlehem,” they reply.

Herod tells the wise men that the King is in Bethlehem. He tells them to return and tell him exactly where they find him so that he too can worship the child.

So the wise men go to Bethlehem where they worship Jesus. They bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. When they leave, they go a different way as God warns them in a dream not to return to Herod.

Application

Even as a baby, Jesus is a threat to established power interests and rulers.

He presents all people- kings and priests, shepherds and carpenters- with a choice. Will you worship Him or reject Him? Will you receive His promise of eternity or banish Him from your life?

The choice is still there for each of us to make daily.

Prayer

Lord your kingdom is not like the kingdoms of this world. Help me to walk in the ways of your kingdom each day. Amen.