– the first of a three-part segment reflecting on the visit of the Magi

In reading Matthew’s account of the birth of Jesus, we are told about the Magi, who came “from the east” to Jerusalem. The Magi were likely astronomers from Persia and they are often referred to as wise men who spent their lives learning. They were not Jews, yet they sought out him born king of the Jews. Somehow, God had revealed a piece of his divine plan to them. I often wonder at the “somehow”. The star. For astronomers, a star was meaningful. God revealed himself in a language that spoke to them. I glean much hope from this piece of history. God reveals himself in personal ways and once He does, ideas, beliefs, goals, dreams, thoughts…they all change.

One of my favorite modern-day thinkers is Francis Collins, the director of the National Institutes of Health and the individual who led the Human Genome Project. In his book, The Language of God, he describes his transformation from atheism to belief. No soul in the scientific community would question his commitment to discover the limits of science and nature. He is as zealous as a scientist as Paul was a Pharisee. Once he realized that Spiritual Truth may exist and he had not explored it, he investigated. The Methodist minister he sought out gave him the classic work of C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity. A giant among thinkers, C.S. Lewis appealed to Collins based on a originally similar atheistic viewpoint. God revealed himself to Collins through someone significant to him. Collins found evidence of God everywhere once he ventured into a true pursuit of Him.

Over two thousand years ago, God chose to reveal himself to the thinkers of the day, the esteemed Magi. What a revelation it must have been for them to travel and visit an infamously heinous Herod, the so-called king of the Jews, and ask about the birth of a new king. That is confidence in God, my friends! God continues to seek out each one of us in unique ways. God called Abram out of comfortable paganism to become the father of his people and dwell in a tent. The patriarch of our faith was called out from a land of moon-worshipers. When God reveals himself, life indeed changes. God has revealed Himself to my searching heart in personal ways as well. He is so patient and gracious with every kernel of unbelief. As I seek His Truth, more is revealed. Perhaps that is the sureness of the Magi, as they traveled closer and closer toward the Promised King, directly through the evil of the day, following the star given to them.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13