Can It Really Be Found?
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem if Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem -- Matthew 2:1
Who were these men called wise men? Who were the magi?
Some say they were astrologers, some say they were magicians, some say they interpreted dreams, and all of those things are probably true, but what catches my attention about who they were has to do with wisdom and what they did for it.
They were in pursuit of it.
They were men in pursuit of wisdom.
They knew to follow the star because they had studied the old sacred writings including the Old Testament. If they hadn't sought wisdom in study, they would never have known of verses like Numbers 24:17
Some say they were astrologers, some say they were magicians, some say they interpreted dreams, and all of those things are probably true, but what catches my attention about who they were has to do with wisdom and what they did for it.
They were in pursuit of it.
They were men in pursuit of wisdom.
They knew to follow the star because they had studied the old sacred writings including the Old Testament. If they hadn't sought wisdom in study, they would never have known of verses like Numbers 24:17
I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel
They were seeking wisdom long before Wisdom arrived.
They were hungry for wisdom long before they knew what they were hungry for.
They were in pursuit of it. When they left for Bethlehem, if they had traveled the common path, it would have been an 800 mile trip, one way. If they averaged 20 miles a day, the entire journey would have taken 40 days. By the way, I don't think that the trip taking 40 days was a coincidence - God seems to like that number!
The wise men wanted answers.
They wanted wisdom.
They wanted it badly.
It forces the question - How severely do I want wisdom? Do I desire it as the magi? My journey for wisdom is often much shorter than 40 days, I think I'm really doing well if I seek wisdom for 40 minutes. More times than not, my mind becomes distracted, and I default to "just roll with it" never really settling the issue.
It's usually not a long journey, sadly.
How far would you journey for wisdom and how hungry are you for it?
Can it really be found?
The answer is yes. Wisdom can be found.
The wise men found Wisdom at the manger.
So can we.
They were hungry for wisdom long before they knew what they were hungry for.
They were in pursuit of it. When they left for Bethlehem, if they had traveled the common path, it would have been an 800 mile trip, one way. If they averaged 20 miles a day, the entire journey would have taken 40 days. By the way, I don't think that the trip taking 40 days was a coincidence - God seems to like that number!
The wise men wanted answers.
They wanted wisdom.
They wanted it badly.
It forces the question - How severely do I want wisdom? Do I desire it as the magi? My journey for wisdom is often much shorter than 40 days, I think I'm really doing well if I seek wisdom for 40 minutes. More times than not, my mind becomes distracted, and I default to "just roll with it" never really settling the issue.
It's usually not a long journey, sadly.
How far would you journey for wisdom and how hungry are you for it?
Can it really be found?
The answer is yes. Wisdom can be found.
The wise men found Wisdom at the manger.
So can we.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. -- James 1:5
I see the lack, Lord. I see where my default takes me. Default leads right back to me, relying on self to figure something out. My default is not to ask wisdom of You, but to ask me. Oh, yes, I often ask You for wisdom generally speaking, but I don't ask you enough for specific wisdom in specific circumstances. I don't allow You time to wrestle with me so that my heart is convinced on a matter. Father, first, I ask for the fervor of the magi in seeking wisdom, focus my thoughts to be yours, ready my heart for journeys with yours. You have shown me in James 1:5 that you will give me wisdom when I ask, and I believe what You say. When you give me a portion of your unending wisdom, help me to understand what You reveal at my seeking and protect my mind and heart from things too great for me to comprehend. I love You, my Wise God, my new place to come for wisdom is your manger.
