In Luke 2:10 – 12 we read how God sent an Angel to some shepherds to tell them the following, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
God saw the humble shepherds as a group who would be honest messengers. They demonstrated an eagerness to embrace the good news. They hurried to find Jesus and after worshipping Him, they glorified and praised God and told others about Jesus.
How do you react when God trusts you to be His messengers?
“During the time of King Herod, Magi (wise men) from the east arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” King Herod was jealous of Baby Jesus, thinking that Jesus would take his physical place as the next king, so he asked the wise men to tell Him where Jesus was, as he wanted to secretly kill him, but the magi did not tell Herod and went home another way. (Matt. 2)
The magi represent the coming of the Gentile nations to worship the Jewish Messiah, with all their wealth, power, and wisdom. [Psalm 72 and Isaiah 11: 1-10]. Jesus is king of the world. “The magi symbolise God’s power over the wise and great just as the shepherds symbolise God’s care for the poor and the humble. Every knee shall bow to Christ.” [Life Appl. Bible]
The wise men also represent a real and urgent choice, made not just 2,000 years ago but a choice each one of us needs to make daily. The magi had the choice of two kings to honour. One was Herod in Jerusalem; the other was Jesus in Bethlehem. Praise God they made the right choice!
We all need to make the right choices…hold onto worldly things which seem to give us false security and safety or take hold of Christ who asks us to sacrifice everything for Him.
Loving heavenly Father, please give us courage to be Your messengers in this dark, chaotic world and to make the right choices to follow You and to witness for you to those who do not know You. Jesus is not only our Saviour, but also our Good Shepherd who promises to lovingly care for us when we belong to Him. Please teach us Your ways and help us to obey You even during difficult times. Amen.
Myrtle Turunen