Sunday Morning Podcast December 14, 2014. Bro. Dave Goble.
TEXT: MATTHEW. 2:1-12
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Here the Wise Men brought gifts that celebrated the birth of Jesus. Their gifts symbolized their worship of the heart, and the arrival of the prophesied King of Kings. Their long travels, and sacrificed effort and time, was proof of that worship. Today, during the traditionally celebrated season of Christ birthday, people often celebrate without serious thought of why we have this holiday. It is often just seen as a day for family, friends, or the needy to receive gifts of the tangible. This of itself, can or might be noble. It is much more important though, that this day should be seen, as the purpose for what it is meant. To remember the one that came to save the world from their sins, (Matthew 1:21).
Wisdom is that of acting upon an understanding, as opposed to choosing not to live accordingly. Spiritually it is the proud and foolish one, that decides to choose a path, which would not instruct against choosing their own will. Our fleshly will, is not God’s will. God’s will is the substance of true wisdom. Proverbs tells us pride brings shame, and with humility is wisdom, (Proverbs 11:2). “Wisdom” can imply a knowledge of any particular subject. True wisdom, is that of living according to that understanding of an obtained godly knowledge. Often, even very intelligent people choose to live in a way that is not according to their honest understanding, or wisdom. Conversely there are those, not thought of especially intellectual or educated, that willingly submit to all the wise understanding God has given them. It is this that makes up true wisdom.
God’s wisdom is not the substance of mere human intellect. He only honors the humble of heart. God instructs us in Proverbs 23:23, that we should “buy the truth” (or choose Christ’s Salvation for our soul) and to “sell it not” (or value something else above it). There is no peace, or grace for our problems, if we take our eyes off “Truth,” which is the Lord Jesus Christ. To not seek Christ, and His wisdom, is to choose to be foolish. If any lacks but desires wisdom, God has said He will liberally give it to all who ask, believing he will receive it, (James 1:5).
Wise Men Still Seek Him. Why? He brings the gift of Salvation and true peace!