Seen in the Manger 4: Magi and Movement

Magi and Movement

Matthew 2:1-12

In many homes during this holiday season, a LOT of planning occurs. Plans regarding who is to receive what gift; what foods will be included in a holiday meal… and some who are not in a position to celebrate as they’d like have to plan how they’ll get THROUGH the Christmas season. Here is *another* truth: incorporating unforeseen surprises is always a challenge…

The Christmas Story Surprise

* The Introduction of Magi ~ Matthew 2:1-6

• 1/2 Magi: NON-Jewish priests from Persia/Iran; why important? Star: only Matthew; references something seen in the heavens; challenge: translation is easy (aster → star), but interpretation not as certain:
  • • is it actual stellar phenomenon?
    • Is it astrological (conjunction of planets/comets)?
    • Is it metaphorical?
• Personal conclusion: God wanted these Magi to see His action in THEIR context – because God has ALWAYS been about sending His light into the darkness (Isa. 9:1-2; 42:6-7; 49:1,6)
• 3/4 “all of Jerusalem” – Herod was known to go mad and start killing people, including members of his own family. Small wonder everyone else would be concerned. Herod, an Idumaean (descendant of Edom, southwest of Jerusalem), were hated collaborators with Rome; he would have no hope from Jewish promises of a Messiah, let alone know anything about them
• 5/6 The chief priests sure knew – they quoted Micah, chapter 5 verse 2… but left off the imporant end bit “and His goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity.” (LITV)

 

* The Importance of Movement ~ Matthew 2:7-12

• 7/8 Herod spends time privately interviewing the Magi to find out accurately when the Star had appeared to them. He doesn’t want anyone to know his ultimate plans (found later in the chapter). If the Magi had reported back, Herod would have no doubt killed Jesus, as he had killed his own son and heir
• 9/10 HERE is why I don’t think the Star was just an astronomical phenomenon: stars don’t “go ahead” and then “stop over”; THIS star doesn’t act like any other stars we’ve seen in Scripture OR Astronomy;
• 11 “to the house” – long time since the Manger; three specific gifts (which is where we get “We Three Kings”)
• 12 God speaks through dreams a LOT in this narrative! Joseph is warned numerous times, and now even these pagan seekers are warned in a dream

Our dilemma is to, on the one side, make room for the unexpected people and situations that may arrive in our lives in such a way that God’s glory is to be seen in us. The other side of the puzzle is to listen carefully to the leading of the Holy Spirit… because WE might just be someone else’s unexpected challenge! If that’s the case, are we ready to move like the Magi… watching for God’s leading in unexpected ways?