In the Bible, we find the Magi, commonly called the three wise men, in the second chapter of Matthew. And they are seeking the Messiah. As the story goes, they saw His star and went searching for the One who has been born King of the Jews.
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:1-2).
After reading this verse, I started trying to research who the Magi were. What I found is that there are so many different arguments about them. From them being astrologers to wise men. To them even being kings. But the more I read, the more I came to the conclusion for the context in which I am writing.
Who the Magi were isn’t as important as WHO they were seeking.
The Magi was seeking Jesus. And we must ask ourselves, not only in this season but daily, are we seeking Jesus?
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I love what A.W. Tozer says: “We have been snared in the coils of a false logic which insists that if we have found Him, we need not more seek.”
In Tozer’s book, The Pursuit of God, he talks about how after we have “accepted” or “found” Christ, many Christians stop seeking Him. Which is contrary to what we should do. We should and must continue to seek and pursue Him.
In the Bible, we find God saying, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
Seeking Jesus is a continual exercise. And is one that goes beyond, seeking Him only in times of trouble and need. Though we can always go to Him for help. As the Bible says that he is a present help in time of need.
But we are also to keep asking, to keep seeking, and to keep knocking as it relates to our pursuit of Him.
“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Luke 11:9).
Why should we seek Jesus?
Seeking and pursuing God helps us to know Him. And in knowing Him more, we are able to trust Him more.
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death” (Philippians 3:10).
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
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It helps us to know ourselves more. Helps us to discover who we are. Because we find our truest identity in Him because He created us. We are also able to better recognize God’s plans and purposes in the earth. And we are better able to realize his plans and purposes in and for our life.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Seeking Jesus helps us to recognize when and how He is moving in the earth and allows us to better join in with Him. And we have a greater measure to love, to show compassion and care to others when we seek the One who is Love.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).
So, during this season and beyond, may we remember the Magi, a story on seeking Jesus.
Not for who they may or may not have been, but to remember them as an example, how they sought after Jesus to worship Him.
And may we seek Jesus and never cease to seek Him, until that day when we are with Him in Heaven. When we see Him face to face, the only moment in which we will need to seek Him no longer. When we will forever be in the presence of our Lord and Savior.
For now, may we have hearts that burn to know Him more and that continually seek and experience His presence. Amen.
Originally published on the author’s blog