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"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
1) I never noticed this before- "After Jesus was born..." Jesus had been born! The shepherds have had sightings from angels and had gone out to the town as the first missionaries, "Then they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about his child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them." (Luke 2:17) Mary and Joseph were in the town and Jesus was born. The star was in the sky. It was so bright that these men, the Magi, had seen it as far away as 'in the east' and followed it. How did Herod NOT see it? How did he not know that all this was happening? It had all happened right under his nose and he still hadn't heard about Jesus' birth. The Lord had to bring the Magi all the way from the east to tell him. God wanted Herod to know that His Son was born. The, "King of the Jews" was here. With knowing how evil Herod was, having killed his own wife, three sons, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle and many others, WHY would God bring the Magi to Herod's front door step and tell him about Jesus? God, being God, knew that Herod would try and murder the baby Jesus, so why tell him? One word: Love. God loves us all and wants to give each of an opportunity to receive Jesus-even the most horrid of men. "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9) God even wanted Herod to be saved. God had hope for even an evil man such as Herod. Our God is glorious! He doesn't give up on us! He doesn't loose hope! He is ever trying to bring us to His heart. If you do not see God in your life, please know- He is there. He is bigger than the star in the sky. Bigger than a hundred angels singing in the heavens! He's there- only look for him, as the Magi did, and you will find Him.
2) "We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." (vs 2) "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him." (vs.11)
They saw his star in the east -I have no idea how they knew it was his star, but it was enough for them to travel miles upon miles, by camel-don't forget, to meet Jesus and worship him. Worship Him. I think the Magi knew something big was happening on earth, enough for them to pack up and travel- something very big, but I don't think they really knew what they were in for. I do think they really did believe a king was coming and they would worship him, but worship a king, small 'k.' I don't think they really understood it until they saw His precious face. As soon as they came in, "they bowed down and worshipped him." They were in the presence of JESUS! The KING of Kings and the LORD of Lords! The one we will meet in heaven, in all His glory! They were in the presence of Jesus! I think meeting Him was more than they realized. More than they hoped for. And is that not like many of us, isn't it? We know about Jesus and all He has done. We see Christmas lights and know it's His birthday. We see Easter baskets and remember His death and resurrection, but until we take the time, to travel up to our rooms, open the Word, and meet Him do we realize Who He is- Our KING. Our wonderful, loving, patient, forgiving, gracious, joyful, kind, KING. Meet with HIm and know Him- He is more than you think He is!
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