Advent
What Made the Wisemen Wise?
The Wisemen came from the East, foolowing the star which led them to a miracle child who had recently been born. How did they know about the star and the magnitude of its significance?
Centuries before the Wisemen made their trip, Balak, King of Moab, had invited Balaam to come to Moab to pronounce a curse on the children of Israel. Balaam assured the king that he could not curse the Jewish people unless God allowed it. Nevertheless, he did go to Moab and attempted to pronounce a judgment on God's people. Each time he opened his mouth, he blessed them completely for it was God's purpose to prosper His people, not to curse them.
Balaam's last prophecy concerning Israel said that a star will arise out of Jacob. Perhaps the Wisemen knew something of this prophecy and thus understood the significence of the star. Perhaps God did something within their hearts and minds which prompted them to make their journey.
Since creation there has been two standards for wisdom. There is the wisdom of the world, and there is God's wisdom. It is the wisdom of the world that fills the universities and science labs and spurs man to formulate Godless theories for creation. It is the wisdom of God that spurs man to hunger and thirst for the knowledge of God.
We don't have to follow a star or search through Old Testament prophecies to find Christ today, for He has been revealed to us through His life on earth. The person who seeks Christ today will find Him, just as surely as the Wisemen sought and found the Christ-Child. Wise men still seek Him.
Submitted by
Leslie
at 12/21/2004 9:12:55 PM- I echo Sally's sentiments. Thank you for this message.
Submitted by
John
at 12/22/2004 7:51:45 AM- We had a pastor named Wiseman. I thought that was such a neat thing before I met him. Turns out he was more of a Wise-acher. His sermons weren't much more than stand-up comedy. I'll always remember the time he told the congregation he didn't worry about correct doctrine, he was too busy 'Doing God's work.' And the time he told us it didn't matter what you believed as long as you loved. Fortunately he didn't last long in our church. Unfortunately, he is still telling jokes/preaching somewhere.
Submitted by
NJ
at 12/22/2004 9:44:29 AM- Thanks, Leslie and Sally, for your comments. John, you remind me that I knew a person named Wiseman who also did not fit the name at all. Her life was a very sad one because of her folly. She married into the name, though.
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So beautifully written, NJ. Thank you for sharing. I can't imagine not having the Lord Jesus in my heart. He is truly King of Kings. God Bless.