Drawn In
During this set of advent devotions, we’ve observed the invitation of a variety of guests into the very first Christmas. God serves as host to those who share close relationships and the disadvantaged to revel in the Messiah’s long-awaited birth. One more set of unconventional characters cannot be ignored. The Magi, traveling from a distance and unaware of the weight and power held in the birth of this King.
Consider:
Read Matthew 2:1-2. Where were the Magi from?
In the original Greek, “Magi” translates from a word meaning “medicine man.” These men were the soothsayers, astrologers, and priests of their own religion. They were curious and smart and always seeking.
On this occasion, a special star caught their attention, enough for them to plan on following the star all the way to Jerusalem. They knew the birth of a king meant traveling to the ruling city to visit the rulers. Hence, the conversation with King Herod in Jerusalem.
Read Matthew 2:9. What did the star do?
The Magi studied stars. Do you think they ever saw one like this before? This star moved! The fixed star they followed lead them directly to Bethlehem and then right to the home of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus, the King of the Jews. God used the star to draw them to the Messiah. He wowed them with something He knew would intrigue them.
Read Matthew 2:10. How do the Magi react to the star? Who did they worship?
If the Magi weren’t completely in awe over the sight of a specific star, they were certainly struck now! Notice how God used the star to draw them in, but instead of drawing them to worship the star, he struck them with awe and wonder at the Messiah because upon arrival, it was not the star they worshipped, but the Messiah.
Explore:
Do you know someone distant? Perhaps a person or community who worships something other than the Messiah? Maybe they’ve never heard the name of Christ. Or maybe it’s someone you know well who is spiritually distant.
I wonder if God invited the Magi into the first Christmas story to demonstrate His ability to draw in those who are distant. Think about it. He used something familiar and fascinating to draw them in. He drew them in and when they saw Jesus, they worshipped Him.
Do you believe God can draw the distant to Him today? What if He used something familiar and fascinating to them and when they witnessed Him for themselves, they just couldn’t help but worship?
Pray:
Ask God to draw in the person or people you know are distant. Pray He would use something familiar and fascinating to them to draw them to the Messiah this season. Ask Him to do the extraordinary, like move a star, so they couldn’t help it but bow down in humble worship of the Messiah.
I love thinking about this part. “God used the star to draw them to the Messiah. He wowed them with something He knew would intrigue them.” I forget just how much God loves the distant and how creative He can be to draw them in.
Father thank you for your heart for the distant. Thank you for your creativity to draw them in with something that would fascinate them. Father we’re asking that you would do it again use your creativity and your power to fascinate the distant and draw them to you. In your name. So be it.