Matthew 2
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
We don’t really know who these wise men were or from which country they came. We only know that they came from the east. Those were Gentile nations who did not know God. They started off with absolute focus on the star.
There is a Chinese legend that at that time throughout the world there was a strong feeling that God was going to reveal Himself to mankind. It is said that in China, when Chihu was ruling China, on the 8th day of the 4th month in the year 24, a very bright light shone on the palace from the South West. The king was amazed about this light and asked of his wise men what it meant. They explained to him that there are writings about a time when the Saviour would be born. It was written that He would appear in one of the lands of the West and His religion would spread even to China. The king searched and found the document where he read that this would happen in the reign of king Chihu I, his own reign. So he sent some of his officials to investigate this matter and they undertook this mammoth journey to Israel. They did it eagerly and persevered and came to Jerusalem to king Herod and asked him where this new king was born.
Although they were wise men, in this matter they were foolish. They kept their eyes on the star during their whole journey but when they arrived in Israel they used their own understanding and went to Jerusalem and asked Herod about the matter. Herod was shocked and all Jerusalem with him.
Many Christians are just like these wise men. It goes wrong when we take our eyes off the Lord and follow our own understanding.
Another story is told of an experienced captain with an old ship. They went through a terrible storm, which drove them towards the rocks. But he was experienced and knew the sea very well and he knew his ship well. So he went around to encourage his crew, for they were in dispair and panic. He himself was weak physically but his voice was still strong and he called one of the sailors and made him to stand next to him. He told him to steer the ship if he should faint. He pointed to a certain star and told him to constantly steer the ship in that direction. He warned the young man not to take his eyes off the star, for then they would all perish. This captain was also a Christian and he was faithful and trustworthy. He had a heart for the Lord and shared the Gospel wherever he went and he shared it with this young man too. He proceeded to tell the young man about the Star of stars, Jesus Christ. Eventually the captain fainted but with his dying breath he pointed to the star and told the young man, “keep your eyes on the star”.
Many young people go lost because they fail to keep their eyes on the Star. There are few that are saved. Even some parents forsake the Gospel because of their children – their attention is removed from Christ Himself.
We should instead cling to the Lord Jesus no matter what the cost!
These heathen wise men forsook their families and country, even their riches to find the Christ-child. Some grow up in a Christian house, yet they forsake Christ for the riches of the world.
Herod was an enemy of Christ, yet he pretended that he wanted to worship the Child. His own wise men could not help him so he called the scribes and pharisees who told him that the Christ would be born in Bethlehem. They knew it but they did not go themselves.
If you should take your eyes off the Star you will go lost. Maybe your eyes are on your study or your work. They should be fixed on Christ.
Some people are attracted by gold but the wise men sacrificed their gold for the Child.
Jesus told us not to be like the Gentiles who worry about what to eat and wear, but to seek first the kingdom of God and He will care for us. It is a joy trust in the Lord and experience how He cares for His children.
My ancient German ancestors used to wear only skins and sacrificed their own children before the English missionaries came and brought them the Gospel. The Gospel uplifted and changed them. Even today there are many heathen who do not know God and worship the ancestoral spirits. How else will they hear and repent except if someone goes to them and tell them about Jesus that came to save and deliver them?
God will require their blood from our hands if we should keep quiet and withold the Gospel from those who are perishing.
Our life must be to do the will of our Father in Heaven. Focused on the Star, Jesus Christ Himself, we can bring the Gospel to others.