The Wisdom of the Wise Men

Devotional by Evangelist Tim Green

Matthew 2:1-2 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, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are some to worship him.

Wisdom is a wanting commodity in the lives of today's Christians. Wisdom is a vital ingredient to the success and spiritual growth of any child of God. Let's look briefly this Christmas season at the evidence of the wise men's wisdom.

First, they sought the Lord. They sought Him with proper motives in their hearts, not selfish reasons of the flesh. They sought Him for who He was, not what He could do for them.

Second, they came to worship Him, and worship Him they did. Oh, to worship the Savior! To have one's soul moved toward Heaven in love and adoration!

In verse 10, we see they rejoiced in Him. They lifted their voices in joy at the presence of Christ. There obviously is a reason for rejoicing when one comes to Jesus for peace, pardon and the pleasure of His presence.

Finally, their threefold wisdom is exemplified in the fact that they gave to Him. They gave gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They gave gifts that honored Him because He was worthy of their sacrifice.

May God help us to increase in our wisdom and emulate the wise men as they went home "another way" after coming in contact with Him (vs. 12). Merry Christmas!