Bob Ekbald. At @wtctheology Residential

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.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 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.’”

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. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 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. 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.

The Magi arrived in Jerusalem. They have been on a quest for truth. Aren’t you? Herod, who is the king of the Jews is agitated by what they say and calls the people and priests together and they know the information of where, but not when and whom.

Because these seekers need to discover the truth for themselves.

The experts can only point a direction, but you have to go. They get told, go, search, carefully. So they do.

Then they went THEIR way (not his) and a star went before them, and when they saw the STAR (not the Christ) they rejoiced.

Why did they rejoice ahead of the final destination? Because they same Spirit that brought you this far will bring you all the way.

Then they came into the house, and fell down, and worshipped him and presented him with gifts, and then headed off ANOTHER way., to their lands.

Not the way they were told by Herod.

It takes courage to go your way.

Titus 3:4-8 when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

God wants to make us heirs. We can count on that. So persevere, follow the clues. Your star is leading you to Jesus. It may be a long journey but you’ll get there yet.