Magi---such a unique word…even to the
Bible. Tradition has rendered this word
to mean kings. "We Three Kings of Orient are..." But, this is probably
more to do with the way in which the magi are received by King Herod in the
context of the story than by actual word study.
Herod treats these sojourners from the east as if they were kings visiting
his kingdom, and they appear to be able to gain access to Herod with an equal
kind of status. However, when we study this unique word,
apart from context, we come to a different meaning. Literally, the word refers to men with a
special kind of wisdom; wisdom that is likely gleaned from studying the movement of the
stars. In ancient days magi might have
been our modern equivalent of great scientists—wise men.
Whether Matthew meant for us to
read his Gospel account as “wise men” or as “kings” we’ll never know. But, his message about their mission is very clear. The quest of these men of status
and authority was to kneel before this newborn king and worship him. Matthew’s message? If these foreign men,
esteemed by both the rulers and the wise, are humble enough to lay aside the
comforts of their home, and commit to the risks of travelling a great distance for the sole purpose of worshiping this newborn king, then all who hear Matthew's message should do the same.
Herod’s lip-service toward them
only further emphasizes Matthew’s point.
Was King Herod actually going to worship Jesus? Absolutely not! King Herod was plotting to kill the Baby who
had come to bring peace on earth! His heart had no intent of worshiping the
Christ Child, even as his mouth formed the words that lied to them.
Matthew’s message places a
fundamental question before us; one that challenges us: Are we taking God seriously, or just giving
Him lip-service? Are you praying for
things to change in the world around you, in your life, but then ignoring God’s
call to do your part in bringing about these changes?
As we look toward the future
and the start of a new year, what are your plans? What does your faith mean to you? Why is your church important to you?…to your
children?...to the community?....to the world? So often I hear members of our church
complain about how Christian values are being eroded by our culture, but then list for me their reasons why they are too busy to volunteer or too broke to be more charitable. I hear the concerns of parents, who tell me
that society and the school system are corrupting their kids, but then explain to me that their kids have more important things to do on Sundays than be involved with church. Will you go about this year
giving only lip-service to God’s call, your church, and your faith? Or, is this the year that you resolve to go
deeper in prayer and devotion, step up your involvement; increase your
charity? With your lips will you say
that your church, your faith is important to you, your children and the community, but
then allow your actions to dictate otherwise?
The magi Herod had a choice. Today, that message is the same. We have a choice. It may only be a matter of adjusting
priorities. Or, maybe you sense a need for more dramatic change in your
life. You choose whether to worship Him
with lip service alone or with the kind of worship
that is accompanied by a lifetime of loving actions.
Every year I find it absolutely
perfect that the start of a new year comes with the season of Christmas. Christmas is a time when the motives of our
hearts are laid bare before the proof in a manger of God’s willingness to honor
His promise and commitment to us. The
birth of Jesus is the birth of a fresh start for all of us. Oh come! Let us adore Him!
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