Matthew 2:1-12
Suggested further reading: Hebrews 11:32-38
What large-hearted faith and commitment did these “wise men” show! The work required to prepare themselves to leave the comforts of home did not stop them. The weariness (traveling by camel) and dangers (from robbers) did not stop them. The distance of a three-to-four-month travel did not stop them (the scribes and Pharisees would not walk 5 miles down the road to see Him!). Their commitment to see a newly born King knew no obstacle big enough to stop them.
It would be well for all of us who profess faith in Christ if we followed their example. To what degree to we practice their kind of commitment to develop our Christian character? This is a serious question worthy of thoughtful consideration.
They are a worthy example of faith to be imitated. They believed in Christ unseen. They believed in Him when the Bible students did not. They believed and worshiped Him as King, although they saw only a weak little infant who was living in poverty, not the palace. They believed in Him without seeing miracles. They believed in Him without hearing Him teach. There was nothing outward of the pomp and glory to lead them to faith. But when they saw this newly born infant, they believed they saw the divine Savior of the world.
This is the faith that God delights to honor—and has. For whenever we read our Bibles, we read of the conduct of these “wise men” whose faith is immortalized in the eternal Word of God. Do we not have a thousand times more evidence of the divinity of Jesus than the wise men had? Do we have their faith and commitment? I pray that we do for only such a faith wins the approval of God and is given His reward.
Lanny Tanton is the Pastor at The Bible Church of the Lakes in Horseshoe Bay, Texas – just outside of Marble Falls. Pastor Tanton welcomes you to our website and hopes that you’ll enjoy reading these insightful blog posts. Please contact us if you have further questions!!
