Were the 3 wise men bad guys?

Day 22

Scripture

Matthew 2:9-12

When they heard the king, they went; and look, the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Because they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route.

Devotional

This section of scripture picks up right at the end of a story about King Herod. Quick recap: Herod was the ruler at the time when Jesus was born. He knew God was going to send a new King and he got super afraid of losing all his power. So, he found some scholars (magi, or the wise men) and sent them to find Jesus. 

Okay, we’re caught up. So the magi see a star and they are excited. This was a sign that the new King was born. They make their way and eventually find Jesus. 

They were so incredibly overwhelmed with emotion. They just met the King to rule all Kings! They literally met this miraculous child. God had promised them for so long He was going to send a ruler to save them, and he did it. 

Initially, the wise men were sent on this journey to give Herod the whereabouts of Jesus. Sadly, this is because Herod wanted to kill him. But because of the experience they had, they decided to go back home instead. 

I think this is an overlooked part of scripture. They were on a mission given to them by the most powerful man at that time. And the magi disobeyed his direct orders. That is crazy! In Herod’s eyes, they were the bad guys. What?!

But, sometimes this can happen in our lives. We may be going about our day, headed down the path we have planned. And then, suddenly, we experience something that completely changes the trajectory of our lives. 

The decision of the magi had a major impact on the history of the world, and that’s because they listened to what God was telling them. 

Is there something God has been trying to tell you lately? Maybe changing the path you are on would have a major impact on your life. 

Prayer

God, thank you. While the holidays are a crazy time of year I am grateful. Grateful that you sent your son to be born on earth and serve as the most powerful King we’ve ever known. While I love the holiday traditions and fun Christmas activities, help me to remember what Christmas is truly about. Amen. 

Challenge

Take 3 minutes – yes, just 3 minutes – and listen. Find a quiet spot (maybe it’s your car, your closet, or anywhere by yourself) and calm your mind. Think about something you’ve pushed out of your mind recently. Is God nudging you in a direction you weren’t ready for?