1 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, 2 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.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
6 “‘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.’”
7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 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.” 9 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. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 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. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. After listening to the king, they went on their way.
Comment: Why did these travelers stop to see Herod in Jerusalem? Was it because the star stopped over the royal palace? Was it because the natural place where people expect to find news of a ‘new king born’ would be in the palace? Did they follow reason rather than following the leading star? It doesn’t tell us but the verse ‘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’, to me indicates the strong possibility that they followed reason rather than the star. If, and I emphasize ‘if’, I am correct, we can see the result of not following God’s leading being potentially very dangerous! In this instance it cost the lives of many young citizens. I must learn this lesson very well! I am certain that God knew what they were going to do and had it written by the prophet Jeremiah to indicate to what this would lead! We will see the result tomorrow. Their gifts were not toys or childish things, but three things which were pretty useless to a baby! 1. Gold – which would be useful for his parents to spend as He grew up. 2. Frankincense – used in worship of a deity and especially in the temple. 3. Myrrh– an embalming oil for dead bodies or to make things smell acceptable! Were they symbolic of who Jesus was or were they to indicate what would happen to Him.
Psalm 103: (portions) 1-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity,….so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Prayer: I offer You myself, unworthy as I am, my God, my Saviour.
As I read it! 