LIKE THE MAGI, SEEK THE KING OF KINGS WITH ALL YOUR HEART
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I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me find Me. – Proverbs 8:17 –
What does it mean to seek God? Are you truly and wisely searching for Him? Or are you immersed in life’s problems, worries and diversions that keep you from pursuing Him? God wants to reveal Himself to us. Yet it takes open eyes and open hearts.
You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13
Our Lord promises that you will find Him if you seek Him with a deep longing to know Him. Our lives as believers are to be characterized by this search. It is to become our goal, our prize, our heart’s desire, permeating all we do.
To come to a deeper knowledge of the Almighty One, into a more intimate relationship with Him, should be one’s reason for being. It is what will give meaning to life. Yet too often the pursuit of all that life has to offer overrides the pursuit of God.
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 when it rose and have come to worship Him.’ – Matthew 2:1-2
There are three in the Bible who are renowned seekers. In a faraway land, these wise men learn of the birth of the prophesied King of the Jews. The Magi set out from the east, following the Spice Route, guided by a star. They put aside their lives to search for this Holy Child so that they might worship Him.
God stirs their hearts, causing them to leave behind all they know and journey to a place unknown. A quest placed in their hearts by the Almighty One. Isn’t this the way God often works? He stirs our hearts and leads the way. Yet He does not always reveal the destination. We are to walk by faith not by sight.
The star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. – Matthew 2:9-10
The miraculous birth of Jesus is heralded by a radiant star. A star so bright that it guides the path of the Magi for hundreds of miles to a humble stable in Bethlehem. There, lying in a manger, is their King. A holy Babe so pure, so fresh from heaven that He inspires awe and reverence.
The three bow down before Him and worship Him. God reveals to their hearts that this Child is the One who is above all others. How amazing that these wise and kingly men should bow before a mere babe. Yet this Child is no ordinary child. He is born King of Kings. The gifts the wise men present are worthy of a King…
They opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. – Matthew 2:11
Gold is a gift for royalty. In biblical times, crowns, thrones, and altars were crafted out of gold. This precious metal overlaid the Ark of the Covenant. The cherubim atop the mercy seat were sculpted of solid gold. The book of Revelation tells of the New Jerusalem being a city made of the purest of gold. What a perfect gift for the King of Kings.
Frankincense is a gift for deity. It was a key component of the holy incense in early Hebrew worship. Priests acted as intermediaries between the people and God. They burned incense in both the Tabernacle and the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem to symbolize the prayers of the people rising up to God’s throne. The gift of frankincense honors Jesus as our eternal High Priest and Intercessor before the Father.
Myrrh was an oil used in biblical times to anoint kings, priests and prophets. This gift acknowledges Jesus as Prophet of God. Myrrh also was used as an embalming oil… thus pointing to Jesus’ death on the cross. As gold symbolizes His royalty and frankincense symbolizes His deity, so myrrh symbolizes His humanity. As fully God and fully Man, He was the only One to die for all mankind… and rise again in glory.
As for you, Bethlehem… From you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His times of coming forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity. – Micah 5:2
Is Jesus your King of Kings and Lord of all? Is He your High Priest and intercessor before God? Is He your Prophet, the One you trust with your life and your future?
These three seekers search and find the Messiah. The Magi’s long journey, their quest, is rewarded. They are privileged to worship the King of Kings, eternal High Priest and Prophet of God, Jesus Christ. They bring worthy, royal gifts as they bow before the One who is the Savior of all.
Like these wise seekers, search for God with all your heart. Follow the brightness of His guidance and revelation. Bow before Him in holy reverence as you offer Him your most precious gifts.
† Eternal Takeaway: We worship Jesus as our reigning King, High Priest and Prophet of God †
