IT IS WISE TO FOLLOW THE WISE MEN FOR LIFE
MATTHEW 2:1-16
When one takes time to read both sacred and secular history they will come across some people of great learning and great purposes in life who have chosen to follow Christ. Many who have been distinguished in scientific knowledge have also become followers of Christ.
In the story we have from the Bible today we find some very wise men who were wise in that they chose to seek Christ to worship Him. May we get insight into four principles for our lives today?
I. WE CAN LIVE IN FEAR OR FIND THE LOVE OF GOD.
• King Herod became nervous when he heard that a new king had been born.
He was the ruler and feared that the new king would replace him. He had no idea who this king was nor that he had been born almost two years before these wise men showed up. Herod lived in fear because he did not know about the love of God. When one does not know God he lives in fear for there is no security in this world. In 1 John we read that perfect love casts out fear. We can choose to live in fear or to rest in the love of God.
• The wise men came to worship, “We are come to worship him.” The place
that we find that they knew this was to happen comes from:
Numbers 24:17 “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.” Isaiah 60:3 “And the Gentiles shall come to Your light, and kings to the brightness of Your rising.”
They did not come in fear for they had a purpose in life for what they were doing. It is believed that they saw the star when Christ was born but they saw it afar off. They had to make plans to go see the new born King. They knew not how long it would take them nor the place where they would find Him. They had to get provisions for the trip and make plans on how to get there. Their hearts were set on going to worship a King and did not fear what it would cost them. Herod who was the ruler at the time was full of fear for he did not want to worship but to be worshiped. When we worship fear is taken away because of the love God has for us.
• These men were determined and would not stop until they found the one
They were looking for. It is our prayer in this church that all would want to worship Jesus would do all they can to find Him like these wise men. God will not disappoint any who are sold out to find Him and takes great delight in those who follow him.
• The wise men knew what they were looking for. They did not go looking
for a creed to believe in. They were not for an emotional high or a good feeling experience. They were not looking for new wisdom or philosophy to follow. They were not seeking a better way of life to improve their way of living. They were seeking a person to worship.
II. WE CAN FOLLOW ANYTHING OR FOLLOW ONE THING.
• Eph. 4:14 “Then we will no longer be little children, tossed and carried
about by all kinds of teachings that change like the wind. We will no longer be influenced by people who use cunning and clever strategies to lead us astray.” There are those today who will take off after every new teaching or new church that is starting because they have never been grounded in what they should believe. These men focused on one thing a star that would lead them to a King. They were not distracted by other things. They left all to follow the One who was to be worshiped as King. What is your focus on today? Two things would tell on you. One being what you have plans to do and the other would be to check your checkbook.
• We choose who or what we will follow. In 2 Peter 3:4 it tells us that
some will not follow Christ because nothing has ever changed since the beginning of time. They first say that Christ promised to return and has not so why believe. If things do not change let me ask what would you say to those living in Florida this last year. What would say to those who find themselves in a foreign land fighting a war for people they do not know? Things are changing all the time. About forty years ago my life changed when I mad the choice to follow Christ. Jesus said He would come back and He has always been right in what He says so we can trust Him today.
III. WE CAN BE DEVOTED TO ONE LIFE OR MANY WAYS OF LIVING.
• When they came to find Jesus the Bible says they found him in a house
and not the manger. We believe that Jesus was around two years old at the time these men came. Though a child they bowed down to worship Him for they recognized Him for who He was. They first came to Herod but they did not bow to him but asked him a question: “Where is he who is born King?” They had no doubt in their minds about who Jesus was.
• They not only bowed but gave Him costly gifts. Gold was because he was a
King, incense because He was would be a priest and Myrrh because He would die. You can worship with your lips but what do you bring Him as gifts?
• They had the spirit of giving and not getting. You can count on this
Truth: that man in the natural form wants to get and not give. Just think of a baby in what it wants.
• They did give without reservation and they received Joy. Other words
that could replace joy would be glad feeling, delight, great pleasure or happy.
• They received so much for their worship and giving that they were not
Afraid to disobey Herod’s orders and return home another way.
IV. WE CAN BE REFRESHED THIS SEASON AND WORSHIP CHRIST OR REMAIN DRAINED IN LIFE.
• May He be more real to us?
• He came for one reason MT 1:21 “you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
• He is the only one who can save us from sin.
• He forgives completely and makes us ready for heaven.
• He is the only way to God
WE CAN LIVE IN FEAR OR FIND THE LOVE OF GOD.
WE CAN FOLLOW ANYTHING OR FOLLOW ONE THING.
WE CAN BE DEVOTED TO ONE LIFE OR MANY WAYS OF LIVING.
WE CAN BE REFRESHED THIS SEASON AND WORSHIP CHRIST OR REMAIN DRAINED IN LIFE.
The wise men choose to worship God and found His love. The wise men knew that they needed to follow one star to find the Only One they needed. The wise men became devoted to One Man Jesus that gave them life they could not find in what this world offers. The wise men were refreshed because they found Him who gives life and life more abundantly. It is your choice today
