Monday Devotional: December 30, 2024

Bible Reading: Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSVUE)
1 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him, 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod secretly called for the magi and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9 When they had heard the king, they set out, and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen in the east, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
In many Christian traditions, Epiphany is an important celebration, a time to commemorate the coming of the Magi. This story draws our attention because of its monumental assertion that Jesus came into the world for the sake of all people, Jews and Gentiles alike. The Magi, though distinctly foreign visitors, celebrate the birth of Christ with seeming awareness that this child is significant to them and to their people.
We know why the Magi made this trip: they saw “his star in the east and have come to worship him” (NIV). But consider the preparation that trip required. As men of status they had the means to make such an ambitious journey and offer costly gifts. Their reputations warranted an audience with the king. They were seekers who searched the sky for something greater than themselves. These wise ones, in a time when travel was not easy, risked their health and safety, their fortune, and their reputations to follow a light that they believed to be significant.
And though the Magi did seek Herod’s help in locating the newborn king, their concern centers more on a warning dream than on the wrath of King Herod when he finds out they haven’t reported back to him. What sort of people act in such incredible ways that fly in the face of culture’s norm, all because of a star? It seems they highly valued seeking the truth. They valued finding this particular child enough to undertake the journey, though they didn’t know exactly where to find him.
We cannot know all the mysteries of our God; but let us, like the Magi, be willing to chase after the deep truths about God’s nature, which might require a difficult journey in order to be found.
Prayer
Lord, help us to seek and value truth. Give us strength not to shy away from this endeavor in the face of persecution. Amen.
By Tom Appel, The Upper Room Disciplines 2013, page 19.