Matthew 2:1–2 (ESV) —
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
NOTE: Not everyone was blind to the events 2000 years ago. It is possible that these men are also Jews (proselytes) and may have been influenced by a remnant originally started by Daniel in Babylon. We don't know. They were unlikely to be kings, but rather wise men and priests. What everyone else but these strangers, a few shepherds, a young couple, and a couple of old people realize, is that the Savior of the world has been born. An event of enormous significance and consequence! God himself has entered human existence, somehow in a human frame. No event will ever compare; no time period in human history matches the significance. And yet, the people who should have known and should have cared, don't. What would happen today? Would the religious of people today recognize him? Would we worship when he calls out our selfishness, sin, and meaningless rituals? Would we crucify him all over again? I think we do when we do not take his call upon our life seriously. He doesn't want second best. He wants our first love.
PONDER:
- Is Jesus first in my life? Is Jesus first in my words but not in my actions?
- What would it mean for Jesus to truly be first?
PRAYER: Father, we are so foolish. And I include myself in that assessment. We claim Jesus is first, but few meet with him each morning, few ever pray, few ever share their faith, few ever sacrifice for others, few truly give anything but what is extra. Open our eyes to what it means for you to be first in our lives.
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