Transformed
Consider:
The Magi sought out the King of the Jews and brought gifts fit for a king. During their trek, I imagine they anticipated what it might be like to meet this king. When they arrived, instead of royal flattery, they found a humble king with great power. They worshipped this king and then the most marvelous thing happened.
They changed.
Read Matthew 2:12. How were they warned?
Originally, God gained the attention and respect of these inquisitive leaders through something of great interest, astrology. Here, God clearly speaks again through a dream. And they listened.
Read Matthew 2:12 again. What did they do in response?
Their route to Bethlehem took them through Jerusalem, the most likely birthplace of the king of the Jews. After encountering the Messiah with awe and wonder, they respected the warning they received and changed their route. This rerouting marks a change. They were no longer in pursuit of a high king, instead, they protected the sacred Messiah by following the instructions given in the dream. The transformation of pursuit changed the way they returned home.
Explore:
An encounter with Jesus changes people. I think about new believers in restricted areas of the globe where claiming Christ means changing everything. I also think of distant people living right in my community who have encountered Christ and everything changed for them too.
Do you know a “distant” person who has changed everything to follow Jesus? Reflect on their story and list all the changes you’ve seen in them.
I don’t know what the Magi talked about on that trip home, but I bet the topic of their conversation changed drastically from the initial star-chasing trip. Distant people drawn to Jesus reroute their behaviors, their conversations, and their eternity!
Think about the distant person you know or someone you have heard of. Contrast their past and present behaviors, conversations, and eternal destiny.
Pray:
Thank God for drawing the distant people to Jesus. Ask him to continue prompting change for those who encounter Him for the first time. Thank God for transforming you!
Love this thought-that the rerouting of the Magi noted a change in the way they returned home. Brilliant