When you are searching for something, how far are you willing to go to find it? The Magi traveled a great distance searching for Jesus. They stopped along the way to ask for directions [which we know is totally out of the ordinary for men]. They visited with King Herod to see if he knew anything about the child. They didn’t have mapquest or a GPS system they could follow. They simply followed a star. They had a great desire in their heart to find the child who fulfilled the prophecy and they weren’t going to stop until they found Him [Matthew 2:1-12].
How passionate is your search for Jesus? Do you simply seek Him on Sunday mornings in the pew of a church building or do you seek to find Him daily? God tells us when we seek Him with our whole heart, we will find Him [Jeremiah 29:13].
When the Magi found the baby Jesus, scripture says they were overjoyed. They bowed down and worshipped Him and then they presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Have you been overjoyed by being in Jesus’ presence lately? When was the last time you bowed down to Him? Have you ever been prostrate before the Lord? The Magi recognized Jesus as King and treated Him as such because of a prophecy and a star. We have the entire Bible full of prophecies that confirm who He is yet we do not demonstrate the awe He deserves.
What gifts do you bring to Jesus? Do you present anything to Him when you encounter Him? The gift He most desires is you. The Magi presented their gifts to the baby Jesus and then left. They didn’t take their gifts back or play tug-of-war with Him over them. They placed them at His feet and left them there.
Take some time today to visit the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Bow before Him and give Him the gift He desires most. You might find yourself surprised by what you get in return.