In Matthew 2 it speaks of the Magi, who came to worship the king. The Magi were astrologers. They followed the stars. Why would God choose astrologers to come worship the king, and overlook the religious leaders of the day? The Pharisees, the Priests and Levites were not chosen.
Bob Bjerkaas, pastor at Church in the Canyon preached on Matthew 2:1-12 this past Sunday. He brought up this point about the Magi, and it got me thinking. Here’s some of my take aways. For one thing, the Magi seem like an odd choice. They were the pagan astrologers of their day.
The Lord is using Matthew to make a point that the gospel is offered to all. Isn’t that amazing?! The Magi were overjoyed to worship Christ the king while the Pharisees, Priests and Levites didn’t seem to care about Christ’s birth. It reminds me of the older brother’s response when the prodigal repented and came home. The father threw a party, but the older brother pouted.
This makes me ask, do I become blasé and apathetic about Christ? Am I still excited about all that Christ has done for me? I’m grateful that God in His grace holds me close, but I shouldn’t take this relationship for granted. It is a relationship where I should desire to grow stronger in my love for Him. Like any relationship it requires time and attention.
God is near to them that seek Him. Christ healed the paralytic who was lowered by his friends through the roof. The blind beggar, Bartimaeus called out unashamedly on the roadside and Jesus healed him. “O Lord, that I would be humble and love you in this way. Continue your wonderful work of grace in my heart.”
Here’s some great promises for those who seek him.
“Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart”
— Psalm 119:2
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.”
— Psalm 145:18, 19
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near”
— Isaiah 55:6
This is a reminder to me and you to seek the Lord, and to call upon him. To recognize we are blind and hopeless without Him!
What do you think? Why did God choose these Magi astrologers?
In His Grip, Dave
DiasoLifeontheBorder.org
14 Comments
By Dave Knickerbocker
You nailed it, Dave. God used the Astrologers because they were honestly using whatever they had available to them to find the truth about God, even though they didn’t know that there is only one God. They must have had snippets of OT prophecy lying around from the days of the exile. God is obviously against religious syncretism, but because they had ears to hear, God refined their understaning of him and rewarded the great lengths they took to see if the prophecy about the God-child was to be fulfilled. The Gospel isn’t received by those we think are in the best position to hear it, it’s made effective by those who put themselves in the best position to receive it. Great post.
By diasolifeontheborder
Yes – I agree and I think God likes to throw a curveball so to speak by choosing the weak and the unlikely. No one is too far for God to reach out and touch them and draw them to Christ.
By Sarah
Wow, I had never really thought about that before. That is definitely something to ponder. Thanks for sharing.
By diasolifeontheborder
Yes – it makes you think. I think it’s encouraging that the Lord’s arm is not short as he reaches even into the fringes
By Naphtali
Very good post! I had thought about it but not really. Maybe it is these guys unlike the Pharisees, etc. wanted to see the Christ child. Anyone riding camels like they did must have had a great desire for something! I have learned Jesus rarely went where he was needed like to Mary and Martha. But he also knew they loved him. He mostly went where he was wanted. Like us, as we desire him and his presence, he gets closer to us. He sure rewarded the wise guys!
By diasolifeontheborder
It reminds of the bumper sticker I’ve seen that says wise men still seek him!
By Debbie
I like what came to you about it! That is making me think and pray! God bless you!
By diasolifeontheborder
Thanks and Amen!
By eileenfgordon
You are right. The 3 Magi were the first Gentiles to worship Jesus Christ. It is part of God’s perfect plan. God bless!!!!!!
By diasolifeontheborder
It is an awesome plan isn’t it!
By eileenfgordon
Yes, it is. Amen to that…..
By diasolifeontheborder
Amen!
By John Brueckner
I knew Paster Bjerkaas when he was pastoring in St. Albans, VT. He used to speak at the private school that I attended then. It’s a small world!
By diasolifeontheborder
yes – that’s pretty amazing
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