Since the beginning of the known world, there have always been scholars, wise men who studied the times. Some studied the times through divination, others through astrology, others through taking note of the things and people around them. Intuition, discernment, mother wit, whatever you choose to call it – there have also been ordinary people who are extraordinarily aware of changes taking place in their world.
When Jesus was born, one announcement was made to lowly shepherds who were out in a field watching their sheep:
8-12There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”
13-14At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:
Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
15-18As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed. Luke 2:8-18 (MSG)
Notice, that the shepherds did not immediately run because of the angelic host proclaiming the message – they talked it over among themselves, they made a conscious decision that what they heard from the angels was worth pursuing…
In a far away eastern land, another message was given to scholars, who by studying the stars had seen the star of the Christ Child in the sky and after deliberation determined that they would follow that star and find that child and bring gifts to Him and worship Him!
1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.”Matt 2:1-2 (MSG)
The underlying message in both of these passages of scripture is that of intentionality – they were not just acting on a whim, or emotion – they made a conscientious decision to “seek,” to “find,” to determine if in fact what they thought was true, was in fact TRUE!
Wise men still do that. They don’t act on the wishes of another, or on the fleeting whim of an emotional moment – wise men still “seek” – still “determine” – still want to see for themselves if this message of the Christ child is TRUE!
And guess what, Jesus Christ, the Anointed One – can take it – He can stand up to the scrutiny – for He is who He says He is.
Kairos,
Maria