It’s Worth the Trip

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

I love the Christmas story because we learn so much from it. Take the Magi, for example. Here were some guys so intrigued by an astrological discovery, they traveled about 600 miles to see what it was all about. They knew it was significant—announcing a newborn king of the Jews—and they came to worship Him. Don’t read into the story that they came for a worship service…they weren’t Christians! The Greek word proskuneo is used when paying homage to a potentate as demonstrated by bowing to kiss a ring. What is significant here is that they diligently looked for, and didn’t miss Him.

Outside of the shepherds, the Magi, and a few animals, most others missed Jesus because they weren’t looking for Him. The inn-keeper and other businessmen missed Him as did the religious leaders. Herod, the reigning king, missed Him too. 

These Magi, also known as Wise Men, did a wise thing. They decided to seek out, or search for, the King. It’s a wise thing for us as well. There is a popular saying at this time of year: “Wise men still seek Him.” True!

They left the comforts of home for a long, tough journey across a vast desert. It took great effort on their part, but they had the right motive: they came to worship, pay homage to, the King. Now, that’s wise. It’s what we need to do as well. We can’t let anything get in the way of our worship of Christ. It’s the most important achievement in the world.

Later, Jesus taught a parable about the Kingdom of Heaven. He said it was like a pearl of such worth, that someone would give up everything to find it. Evidently the Wise Men understood that long before the parable was told. 

What would you give up in order to worship Jesus? Whatever you have to give up to worship Him, it's worth the trip!

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” Matthew 1:1-2