Surrendered Priorities
“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 2:2
The wise men were from a group of stargazers, scholars, and ancient priests who served as advisers to kings in the ancient Middle East. Other than stating that they came from the east the nation of origin is left untold of the biblical wise men, but probably they were from Babylon or Persia – both of which were brought to some limited knowledge of the Scriptures during the “Babylonian Captivity.”
These men saw something in the heavens – the word “Star” would relate to any heavenly body, whether planet, comet, or star – and they might have connected that to Balaam’s prophecy (Num. 24:7) and they could have also estimated the time of the Jewish Messiah’s coming through Daniel 9:25-27. So they set aside other pursuits, cleared time from their busy schedules, and began the long trek to Israel to worship the one born King of the Jews.
Herod and the religious scholars and leaders of Jerusalem wanted nothing to do with this Christ. Herod reacted in anger and jealousy to have Him killed and the chief priests and scribes reacted in apathy and did not take the time to go the few miles to Bethlehem.
The lesson is one of surrender and, then, priorities. Christ is the rightful Ruler not only of the entire world but of our hearts as well. He is to sit on the throne of our lives as our Lord rearranging our priorities to serve and to know Him.
Prayer:
Lord, we give you this evening and this day to serve as our King and Master. Lead us in the way everlasting. Amen.