Heart of the Magi

Updated 12/22/22

I want a heart of the Magi–one like theirs. You too?

Let’s take a look at their story.

Turmoil and Jesus’s Birth

Matthew 2 opens the door to turmoil. What’s new? Isn’t there turmoil surrounding the name of Jesus yet today?

Even in the midst of Jesus’ birth, there’s a king fighting for control at a perceived threat to his power. In fact, it appears as if he spent at least two years mulling this over, tossing the thoughts through his head, heart perhaps filled with envy, hate, or something of the sort. (My interpretation.) Why else would he spend two years mulling it over and then going to the great length of killing all the boys aged two and under? All this as an attempt to end the life of this prophesied youngster!

The Christmas story, Magi, and our Thoughts

The power of our thoughts is amazing. Perhaps Herod felt threatened or scared, allowing his thoughts to have reigned. Have we ever been in those shoes? How long did we spend in the land of “thinking about?” Unfortunately, it’s actually quite easy to spend two years with your blood boiling over a subject, disliking someone, arm-in-arm with envy, or living a life railroaded by nerves, loss of control, etc….. I’ve been there and know it to be true, unfortunately.

Good news, though!

We have a Savior who guides us in an awesome, victorious way. Taking captive thoughts and making them obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5) wins every day over darkness.

This is a great season to allow the Lord to examine our hearts and see what’s in there…and be healed…and changed!

Why Were the Magi Important

The Magi, though, appeared to have a different heart, a much softer, more pliable heart. They heard of the king through prophecy, then followed God’s guidance to find their future and hope: Jesus. They risked the ridicule of Herod and all of Jerusalem (now that’s a lot of people!) to follow their Lord. They even risked danger, as they came face-to-face with this man whose fear devoured toddler boys of the land, yet were guided in safety thanks to a loving God.

What hearts!

They were open to hearing from the Lord, set aside what they were doing at the moment, and traveled to find this Lord. They put their feet into action. How awesome, and how’s that for hope?!

In the end, the Magi rec’d the focus of their pursuit: time with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

What a great example of how to find the Lord, whether initially, after time away from the faith, or, just simply, after those “where are you God?” times.

Praying you’ll have a “heart of the Magi” week in your walk with the Lord.
.
HE IS!

Kristi