A couple thousand years ago, there were some devout followers of God. They were in search, somehow, with all their resources, to an answer that many looked forward to across the ages. A leader to establish a Kingdom that would reign for eternity.
It was as if these seekers knew without a doubt that something was up. It could have been culture and society that pointed to a certain time of arrival. It might have been ancient writings that described a prophetic calendar that matched up to this moment. Other leaders began to speak of a certain time being near. Whatever it was, these men used all that they had at their disposal. They watched the stars. They read the manuscripts. They waited in anticipation, and then, one day, God, Himself, clearly pointed the way.
-Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying,
“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.”
Out of the East, some peculiar men began a journey. After putting aside all their other ambitions, appointments, and family commitments, they began a journey to find a king. They found “ a King,” but what they were looking for was not in this place.
-When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him;
I believe here in America, we have stopped searching for a King. After all, we pride ourselves on winning the war between the tyranny of an earthly king and the rights of individuals. This is empowering. This brings freedom.
However, this also makes us kings of our own realms. We might not be searching for a king, but like the wisemen, with all the resources and knowledge at their disposal, we are looking in the wrong place for a king. We look to ourselves in our seeking. Like the wisemen, we need direction from the Word of God.
-and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
These men found direction from both the sky above and the ancient texts from below. On their journey, the Word of God points them the correct way, while another King has motives of his own.
-Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared.
And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying,
“Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”
After listening to the king, they went on their way.
With knowledge and direction, these three wisemen, who might have been kings themselves, seek after the greatest treasure to be found. All of their encounters, all of their travels lead them to this point. Their reaction explains what they have found.
-When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.
The mystery in this search for a king has now been revealed. The reaction is exceedingly great joy and worship of the true king. What they searched for, they found.
-Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Have you found what you have been looking for? You might even think to be a wise king yourself.
Do you have exceedingly great joy and satisfaction are you rule the day?
I believe Jesus Christ, the true King, is what you might have been searching for.
Parent Resources 