Today's passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202&version=NIV
Who were the Magi? They were a hereditary priesthood tribe, among the Medes, who practiced their own religion and pagan rituals. Over the years, they had been introduced to and influenced by Judaism (In Daniel 4:9 and 5:11, during the exile, we learn that Daniel was made chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers. Magi priests would have been a part of that circle) and another religion that focused on the study of astrology (Interesting that God chose to lead them to the manger with a star in the heavens).
The influence of the Magi was so great that they even controlled who became king. In order for a Persian to become king, he had to master the disciplines of the Magi and be approved of and crowned by the Magi.
Centuries passed since the Magi had learned about the God that Daniel worshipped, but there must have been a few who had believed and were looking forward to the fulfillment of the prophesy of a Messiah. Those faithful Magi were led to the birthplace of Christ by a star. When these king-makers showed up and asked Herod “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?”, Herod was indeed troubled. His jealousy and pride flared up and he plotted to eliminate Jesus.
What I love about this story of the Magi, is their purpose for traveling across the desert: “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2).
These guys were king makers. They decided who became king. They trained, appointed and crowned kings. But they didn’t follow that star across the desert to the manger in Bethlehem to make a king. They did it to worship the one who was born a King. He was born King of the Jews. And Matthew 2:11-12 tells us that worship is just what they did: “And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”
These king makers from far away acknowledged and worshiped Jesus as King. Meanwhile, Herod missed the ultimate opportunity to meet the King of Kings, Lord of Lords. Jesus was right there in his own back yard, but jealousy and pride clouded Herod's ability to see truth when it was right in front of him.
It makes me wonder what spiritual truths are being clouded by my own sinful nature. I encourage us all to spend some time with God asking him to reveal those roadblocks so that our eyes may be opened. We don’t want to miss any opportunity to worship the King of Kings who is in our own backyard!
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
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Kelly, thanks for your parting question/concept.
ReplyDeleteI love what Paul so thoroughly says about sin in ROMANS chapter 6.
Romans 6:6,7--->knowing that our old self was crucified with HIM, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin. 7 for he who has died is freed from sin.
**He goes on to describe that we actually can overcome sin. The question naturally is to what degree?
Progress comes from a desire to be blameless. Although we will never adhere to such a desire, we all can make an effort to not be "slaves to sin."
**Your topic to ponder has led to my concentration on the subject of my sinful nature clouding my ability to obtain spiritual truths.
It is so difficult to focus without distraction in my Christian walk because we live in a city and belong to a church with worldly Christians. Not to be negative, but it is the truth!!
**I need to hang with the winners in order not to be pulled into a dark world of fleshly desires. Paul says those who are subject to the flesh always crave more and more.
**As long as I stay on the right path, I can carry my cross, deny myself, and follow CHRIST, as HE commands.
Peace and love!!