Volume 48 Number 11 November 2006
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.” (Matthew 2:1,2)King Herod, made king by human appointment, was worried about his earthly kingship. He inquired of the chief priest and teachers of the law where Christ was to be born. They told him what the prophet Micah said, “Bethlehem of Judea”. Herod sent the wise men to go to Bethlehem to find baby Jesus and come back and report to him where he was, so he could go and worship the newborn king.
The wise men or Magi found baby Jesus by following the special star that went before them while traveling from the east. They worshipped Jesus and gave him rich gifts fit for a king. God warned them in a dream not to go back to Herod. They returned to their country by way of a different route. The divinely appointed king was not going to be found by wicked King Herod who had intentions of killing baby Jesus.
The story of the conversion of Saul in
Acts chapters 9 and 22 is the real meaning of a person finding Jesus and changing their route in life. He changed from persecuting Christians to becoming a Christian who diligently worked hard in Christ’s kingdom and was himself persecuted in his efforts.The wise men were obedient to God and took a different route home after they found Jesus. We too must be responsive and obedient to God’s word when we find Jesus. A truly repentant sinner who becomes a Christian must be willing to take a different route to make it to our heavenly home that awaits us.