Seek to Give: A Christmas Devotion

“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.” (Matthew 2:1-2)

These ‘wise men’ are clouded in mystery. There is no exact way to determine where they came from. We don’t know of their significance in the east. We don’t know their names, or even how many of them there were. All we can ascertain is what we read concerning other ‘wise men’ in scripture, both in the old and new testaments. I hold to the possible explanation that these men came from Babylon. We read in the book of Daniel that after interpreting King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, Daniel was placed in authority over the king’s wise men (Daniel 2:48).

The wise men of ancient days were well studied in astrology, religion, and dabbled in the magic arts. It is said they were a monotheistic group, yet did not have a strong understanding of the God of Israel. So, the reason I enjoy the theory of them coming from Babylon, is this particular sect could have been highly influenced by Daniel and other Israelites when they were in captivity in Babylon. This could have spurred some interest in the God of Israel over the next 600 years.

So when the perfect time came for the Prince of Peace to be born, these religious-minded scholars could have been reading and studying about this king that was to be born in Israel. Scripture speaks to Jesus being from the kingly line of David (Isaiah 11), He would rule over Judea (Genesis 49:10, Isaiah 9:6), and would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Making all the connections from scripture, they set out to find this king. How did they know it was the right time? All we can do is have faith that by God’s divine plan, He led these wise men to seek the newborn king. God gave them a sign through a star in the sky (Numbers 24:17) and led them exactly where they needed to go.

Here’s what we learn from this story: God’s perfect timing and guidance will always lead to salvation for those who seek Him (Jeremiah 29:13). These wise men were ready to meet King Jesus. They didn’t go to get anything from Him. They went to seek and give. Jesus hadn’t done anything for them. Jesus hadn’t lived in the flesh for more than a year. He had not started His ministry, or even the ability to speak yet. All we know is that these men just needed to be in the presence of Jesus, and no amount of distance was going to keep them from their task. “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.” (Matthew 2:11).

As followers of Jesus, we don’t live to receive (Acts 20:35). We don’t go to church to get anything, except more knowledge of the One who gave all of Himself to give us everything! The questions we need to ask ourself is, “Am I seeking to know Him more?” “Am I obedient to His word?” “Am I keeping my vision on His light?” The political rulers of Israel sought to destroy Him. The religious leaders ignored Him. Yet these outsiders fell down to worship Him. May we do the same!

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11-14)