The exact identity of the Magi is impossible to determine, though several ideas have been suggested. They have been given traditional names and identified as representatives of the three groups of peoples that descended from Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. More likely they were Gentiles of high position from a country, perhaps Parthia, northeast of Babylon, who were given a special revelation by God of the birth of the King of the Jews.
This special revelation may simply have been in the sky, as might be indicated by their title “Magi” (specialists in astronomy) and by the fact they referred to a star which they saw. Or this revelation could have come through some contact with Jewish scholars who had migrated to the East with copies of Old Testament manuscripts. Many feel the Magi’s comments reflected a knowledge of Balaam’s prophecy concerning the “star” that would “come out of Jacob” (Numbers 24:17). Whatever the source, they came to Jerusalem to worship the newborn King of the Jews. (According to tradition three Magi traveled to Bethlehem. But the Bible does not say how many there were.)
It is no surprise that King Herod was disturbed when the Magi came to Jerusalem looking for the One who had been “born King” (v. 2). Herod was not the rightful king from the line of David. In fact he was not even a descendant of Jacob, but was descended from Esau and thus was an Edomite. (He reigned over Palestine from 37 b.c. to 4 b.c. This fact caused most of the Jews to hate him and never truly to accept him as king, even though he did much for the country.
If someone had been rightfully born king, then Herod’s job was in jeopardy. He therefore called the Jewish scholars together and inquired where the Christ was to be born (Matthew 2:4). Interestingly
The answer to Herod’s question was simple, because Micah the prophet had given the precise location centuries before: the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). This answer from the people’s chief priests and teachers of the Law was apparently carried back to the Magi by Herod himself. Then Herod asked them when they had first seen their star (Matthew 2:7). This became critical later in the account (v. 16); it showed that Herod was already contemplating a plan to get rid of this young King. He also instructed the Magi to return and tell him the location of this King so that he might come and worship Him. That was not, however, what he had in mind.
The journey of the Magi from Jerusalem wrought a further miracle. The star they had seen in the East now reappeared and led them to a specific house in Bethlehem where they found the Child Jesus. Bethlehem is about five miles south of Jerusalem. They were led to the Child and going in, they worshiped Him. Their worship was heightened by the giving of gifts - gold, incense and myrrh. These were gifts worthy of a king.
Some believe the gifts had further significance by reflecting on the character of this Child’s life. Gold might represent His deity or purity, incense the fragrance of His life, and myrrh His sacrifice and death (myrrh was used for embalming). These gifts were obviously the means by which Joseph took his family to Egypt and sustained them there until Herod died. The wise men were warned by God not to return and report to Herod, so they returned to their homes by another route.
After the visit of the Magi, Joseph was warned by an angel of the Lord to take Mary and Jesus and flee to Egypt. This warning was given in a dream (the second of Joseph’s four dreams: 1:20, 2:13, 19, 22). The reason was Herod would be searching for the Child to kill Him. Under cover of darkness, Joseph obeyed, and his family left Bethlehem and journeyed into Egypt.
Why Egypt? The Messiah was sent to and returned from Egypt so that the prophet’s words, "Out of Egypt I called My Son", might be fulfilled. This is a reference to Hosea 11:1.
As soon as Herod learned that the Magi had not complied with his orders to give him the exact location of the newborn King, he put into action a plan to kill all the male children in Bethlehem, the age of two and under.
After Herod died, Joseph was again instructed by an angel of the Lord. This was the third of four times an angel appeared to him in a dream. He was made aware of Herod’s death and told to return to the land (v. 20). Joseph obediently followed the Lord’s instruction and returned to the land of Israel.
SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read?)
Again, I see the awesome obedience of Joseph. But not just Joseph, the Magi as well. They followed, they obeyed. His heart and their heart to follow God and do what the Lord told them is a great example. What do I need to be obeying that I am currently not? Is there any attitude in me that needs correcting? Any relationship that needs mending? Anybody that needs helping? Lord, give me a heart to obey. Give me a heart to follow. Give me a heart to be humble. When I think of Joseph's obedience I am reminded of what John the Baptist said -
"He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30 (NIV)
Lord, help me die to my self, my pride, my ego, my self-centerdness. My marriage needs this of me, my kids and my church need this of me. Give me the faith of the Magi, who sought after you and followed a star to find you. Give me a faith that will move mountains. Give me a faith to see the great things you have in store for COV. Build this faith in me and the the people of COV.
PRAYER:
Raise up a generation of people here at COV that will follow you no matter the cost, no matter who joins them, no matter what. Raise up a people here at COV who will have a heart to share their faith and build bridges to you. Lord, bring out men for the study on Saturday. Lord speak through me on Sunday. Use Your message to speak to hearts. Lord, move your people to be there on Sunday and to make worship a priority in their lives.
No comments:
Post a Comment