Matthew 2:7-12

The wise men are thought to have come from the region of modern-day Iraq or Iran, and contrary to the popular Christmas card, there were likely more than three. The Magi were not to be taken lightly. They carried great influence and power—so much so that they had Herod and all of Jerusalem in a stir because of their arrival.

How did they know about Jesus, and what caused them to be on the lookout for His coming? There was a very famous prophet in the days when that area was known as Babylon and its king was Nebuchadnezzar—that would be Daniel. He was considered the head of the magi, and his influence clearly remained long after he was gone through his writings, which we are privileged to read in the book of Daniel. He actually served under Nebuchadnezzar, where he interpreted several prophetic dreams; under Belshazzar, who experienced the writing on the wall; under Darius the Mede, when Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den; and under Cyrus the Great of Persia. He had quite the résumé and lived some 500 years before Jesus’ arrival, yet his prophecy of the “seventy weeks,” interpreted as seventy 7-year periods totaling 490 years, pointed to the Messiah’s coming. So the Magi were definitely on the lookout when His star appeared in the east.

The Magi set out on their journey, which likely took anywhere from one to two years. That is why they found Jesus in a house, not in the stable. It is also why, when the Magi failed to return to Herod after being warned in a dream, Herod consulted his own wise men about where the Messiah was to be born. They knew, interestingly, from the Scriptures that it would be Bethlehem (which makes you wonder — why weren’t they watching for Him?). So what did Herod do? He ordered that all the babies in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and younger be put to death.

Thankfully, God had warned Joseph in a dream to leave for Egypt after the wise men departed because Herod was going to search for Jesus to destroy Him. What I so appreciate about Joseph is his immediate response. Scripture records in Matthew 2 that “Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt.”

We should be so quick in our obedience. Joseph’s immediate response no doubt saved their lives. He had to be quite the man—obviously hand-picked by God—for God knew Joseph was the right person for the task.

The next time we hear about Jesus is when they return from Egypt after God gives Joseph another dream, some three to four years later, after Herod dies. Joseph obediently returns and settles his family in Nazareth, which is why Scripture says, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Obedience is key, and it is important to move when God says to.

Moving forward, my husband suggested that I observe a day of rest. So in the interest of being obedient, since Sunday is our Sabbath, I will be writing six days of devotionals — Monday through Saturday — and taking Sunday off as we go to church.

Blessings all!