Who were the Magi? pagan magicians? astrologers? astronomers? kings? men of science?
We don't know. God obviously didn't think it was important for us to know those details. But He gave us some details that are important:
When the Magi inquired at Herod's court, the priests told them that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-6; Micah 2:5).
The priests in Herod's time had the Old Testament prophecies to guide them. And Matthew 2:3 explains that many in Jerusalem knew about the magi's mission. But they did not seek Jesus.
This is significant because it proves that pagans who sincerely seek Jesus will find Him. And it proves that many people who have God's Word will refuse to seek Him.
God gave the magi an important role, emphasizing that Christ's birth was the most unique birth of all time and relevant to all people. And the magi also prove the wonderful promise in Jeremiah 29:13: "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
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Rahab's story also shows us people who seek him can find Him despite their pagan culture. See The Prostitute and She Had a Past and a Future. See also: Wait for the English.
That's beautiful! I'm reminded of how the apostle Paul wrote that all creation tells about God. What a marvelous thought! Merry (late) Christmas and happy new year!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great Scripture reference to confirm this truth, Jamie. Yes, creation tells us of God's divine character even when we don't yet know His Name. (Romans 1:20)
DeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts.
Gail : )
This is so good. I put it on my Facebook page. Great application, Gail.
ReplyDeleteExcellent point, Gail! And such a comforting revelation!
ReplyDeleteWith God, nothing is impossible!!! Humanity puts limits on everything, but God can do anything!!!! Oh may we truly seek Him... not just this season, but every single day...��
ReplyDeleteThis is a nice sentiment but you missed some important information, Daniel was a Magi in the Babylonian court, he was responsible for showing the Magi what was to come, they were looking in the stars for signs because this information was passed down since Daniel's time he was capitive.
ReplyDeleteHi Unknown,
DeleteWhat you say could be true, but it is still conjecture. There is no proof that these wise men read Danial's writings.
Danial could certainly be called a "magi" but Scripture tells us that the majority of "magi" in King Nebuchadnezzar's court were pagans or fakes.
There always has been and continues to be mystery surrounding these men who visited Christ, and Bible scholars find reason to believe they were Magi, Wisemen, and/or kings.
The most widely accepted belief is that they were astrologers. They could have read about the true God from Daniel's writings, but Daniel lived hundreds of years before these men were born and the countries where they lived remained pagan despite Daniel's influence in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar.
Were the magi believers in the true God before following the Star to see Jesus? We can only guess. But they certainly came from pagan lands and that is the point of this devotion. God speaks to true seekers wherever they are found!
Thanks for sharing your perspective, but I don't think I agree. No one seeks after God. Abraham didn't seek after God, but God called him. I know this is a very reformed view point, but to me it's the only thing that makes sense. If we are left to our own devices, none of us would have chosen God. It's God's mercy and grace that has chosen us. I don't know why, but I know if he didn't choose I would not have chosen him.
ReplyDeleteYes, not all Christians agree on this point. And one reason not all Christians agree is because both views can be supported with Scripture. For example, you say that no one seeks after God, but Deut. 4:29 says, "If from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul."
DeleteMatthew 7:7: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.
1 Chron. 28:9: If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.
Jeremiah 29:13: You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Calvinism and Arminianism have been debated by sincere, Jesus-loving Christians from the beginning of Christianity and both views can be supported with Scripture. I believe neither view is completely accurate and God has reasons for not fully explaining the exact intersection between God's sovereignty and man's free will.
Perhaps He has left this area unclear to see how we will act when faced with differing views. Will we cause division or seek unity? Will we hold our view arrogantly or humbly?