Thursday - 3rd January
Topic: The Kings Birth
Read : Matthew Chapter 2
Homage to the King
We must confess that we know little about these men. The
word translated “wise men” (magi) refers to a group of scholars who studied the
starts. Their title connects them with magic, but they were probably more like
astrologers. However, their presence in the biblical record is not a divine
endorsement of astrology.
God gave them a special sign, a miraculous star that
announced the birth of the King. This star led them to Jerusalem where God's
Word had told them that the King would be born in Bethlehem, They went to
Bethlehem, and there they worshiped the Christ Child.
We do not know how many magi there were. From three gifts
listed in Matthew 2:11, some people have assumed there were three kings from
the Orient, though this is not certain. But when their caravan arrived in
Jerusalem, there were enough of them to trouble the whole city.
Keep in mind these men were Gentiles. From the very
beginning, Jesus came to be “Saviour of the world”( John 4:42). These men were
also wealthy, and the were scholars- scientists in their own right. No
scholarly person who follows the light God gives him can miss worshiping at the
feet of Jesus. In Jesus Christ “ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and
knowledge” (Col 2:3). In Him dwells “all the fullness of the Godhead bodily”
(Col 2:9).
The Magi were seeking the King, but Herod was afraid of the
King and wanted to destroy Him. This was Herod the Great, called king by the
Roman senate because of the influence of Mark Antony. Herod was cruel and
crafty man who permitted no one, not even his own family, to interfere with his
rule or prevent the satisfying of his evil desires. A ruthless murderer, he had
his own wife and her two brothers slain because he suspected them of treason. He
married at least nine times in order to fulfill his lusts and strengthen his
political ties.
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