The Heart of a Magi

 

 

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 2 yrs. mulling this over, tossing the thoughts through his head, eyes perhaps filled with envy, hate, or something of the sort. (My interpretation.) Why else would he spend 2 yrs. mulling it over then going to the great length of killing all the boys aged 2 and under? All this as an attempt to end the life of this prophesied youngster!
 

The power of our thoughts are amazing. Perhaps Herod felt threatened or scared, allowing his thoughts to have reign. 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 2 yrs. with your blood boiling over a subject or in “dislike” of someone, or envy, or remaining nervous over 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), unlike Herod and many in Jerusalem, 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!
 

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 who devoured the 2 yr. olds 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 Savior. Being with Him, seeing Him, was important to them, enough so that they set all else aside. Their Savior did not disappoint, even in the humble beginnings.
 

In the end, the Magi rec’d what they were pursuing…time with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  They were overjoyed when they found Jesus and worshiped Him in humbleness. It makes my heart dance every time I read it!

 

In the end, it’s pretty simple. The Magi heard, went, searched for, and found their Savior. How about you? Like the Magi, have you found your Savior? (Check out the blog’s “Looking for Jesus?” tab if not.) Have you set aside all else to go in search of Him?  Are you spending time away from everything else, worshiping Jesus? Oh, He is so worthy!