What’s Guiding You?

     Please read Matthew 2:1-12.  The wise men ended up in the bustling city of Jerusalem about six mile south of Bethlehem looking for the Jesus. Their arrival caused anxiety.  Possibly it was the presence of the large caravan that caused alarm, or aware of Herod’s erratic behavior the people did not know what the visit could transpire.  In any case, it was not a joyful beginning. 

     Calling a clandestine meeting, Herod instructed the magi to find the child and then report back so he could join them in worshiping him. Their wisdom then shined, their response to Herod’s request was silence.  They did not rush off in alarm, or question Herod, or fight back, they simply departed.  This is one small tidbit we can embrace.  Not everything warrants a response.  Sometimes things are better left unsaid.  Let us be wise men and wise women and respectfully depart.  

     As they left, one step at a time, the star guided their way.  They remained attentive and obedient amid uncertainty.  This is helpful to us.  We need to lean on Jesus who remains our light in the darkness.  We need to react with wisdom, not responding to our fleshly desires.   

     Upon their arrival lavish gifts were given.  While the number of magi is not disclosed three gifts were mentioned so three wise men have been assumed.   While they may not have been fully aware of the significance of each gift given, the Jewish were.   They knew gold represented royal status pointing to Jesus’ kingship; and that frankincense acknowledged his divinity as the smoke and fragrance indicated a purified and sacred space; and they knew that the myrrh, a bitter ingredient, was used in embalming oil which foreshadowed Jesus’ future.  A poignant aside is that shortly after their visit, Mary and Joseph escaped to Egypt.  God provided for this young family who needed to leave in a hurry.   No doubt the gift of gold sustained them.  Church, just like God provided for them, He provides for us.  We may not have noticed this in our dozens of looks at this scene, or even in our lives.  We need to take time to look in our past and connect the dots noting God’s care and provision.   

     Let us pause and ask ourselves about the gifts we have and give.  Are they our best? As 2026 begins, I encourage each of us to keep a Blessing Journal, write down something/someone God has blessed you with acknowledging God’s goodness every day.  As we discover our gifts through God’s word, cultivate them through spiritual growth and develop them through perseverance with God’s help, we will be equipped to point to Jesus, knowing God and enjoying Him forever.

     Herod was angry.  The residents of Jerusalem were indifferent.  The wise men persevered despite apprehension.  How do you react to Jesus’ presence in your life?  Do you have sense of urgency to worship; do you exhibit a genuine joy and desire to worship like the wise men did?  They dropped what they were doing to go on an unexpected journey to an unfamiliar place.  This is what we may be called to do…to respond to the Spirit when it does not seem to make sense or fit into our schedules.  The wise men did not shy away from the opportunity to go.  What is holding you back from the Spirit’s nudge?  

     These wise men traveled far and went against authority confident in young Jesus’ royalty and then they humbled themselves by bowing down.   Humility is a central Christian virtue. The gesture of bowing shows submission and respect.  Bowing can be a sign of concession. Friends, we do not always need to offer the last word.  Let us demonstrate wisdom submitting to the nudging of the Holy Spirit.

     Finally, these wise men went a different way.   Through discernment they “listened.” God protected them from deception.  When life in Christ is grasped, we too find that we may go a different way.  What once was a chore is now a blessing, what once seemed to be a burden brings us peace, and what once was difficult to forgive we now find ourselves extending grace.  Life in Christ is different; old patterns are left behind and new creations are formed.  What new routes might we need to embrace or leave behind to better align with Christ?   Receiving the gift of salvation moves us to “travel” differently.  In love, we begin to care about what pleases God and care about what God cares about.  We have the privilege to praise, celebrate, and worship Prince of Peace and King of Kings; to give our gifts and to serve others.  And all God’s people say, Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Kerry

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