A band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.” …
…The star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!
They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:1-12 (The Message)
Comment
These wise men were excited to be looking for a new king and naturally expected to find him in all the splendor of a palace, surrounded by servants and wealth.
However, they are untroubled when actually their journey leads them to a dirty stable where they find a poor little babe with a humble mother. Instead we read that they were ‘overcome, kneeled and worshiped him’.
They take God as they find Him. God sometimes comes to us in ways that we do not expect – and we do not recognize Him.
Is God trying to meet you in an unexpected place right now? Let’s resolve to look out more carefully for him in the year ahead.
Prayer (as a couple)
Father God, open our eyes so that we don’t miss your presence wherever we are or however you want to meet us. Amen
Prayer (for others)
Dear Lord, we pray for __________ and __________ may they be ‘overwhelmed’ to find you in an unexpected place. Amen
Final thought
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me … If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make
