How far are we willing to go to be in God’s presence?
Today’s church has the tremendous blessing of the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, our access to God is everywhere, all the time (Acts 2:17&18). Still, the Christmas story teaches us that wise men went out of their way to meet Jesus.
The Wise Men’s Secrets To Seeking Jesus
“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,” – Matthew 2:1 ESV
Although it doesn’t tell us explicitly where the wise men came from, it would be “wise” to assume they came from the land of Babylon.
The idea, of course, seems opposite of wisdom. Why would anyone outside of Jerusalem want anything to do with a Jewish prophecy of a Savior. The wise men likely weren’t even from inside the Roman Empire at the time.
Long before the Roman’s ruled the land of Jesus’ birth, Babylon ruled over Jerusalem and their king.
If you read the book of Daniel closely, you may note that the whole setting of Daniel’s life takes place in, you guessed it, Babylon! And what exactly was Daniel’s role in Babylon?
“Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.” – Daniel 2:48 ESV
500 years prior to wise men from the east showing up in Bethlehem, the chief wise men of Babylon just happens to be of Jewish descent!
I can’t make this up. It is more likely than not that Daniel would have been the one to teach the wise men of the east about Jewish Scripture who then passed the prophecies of Jesus on to their descendents.
All of a sudden, wise men coming from the east isn’t such a far fetched story after all.
In order to see Jesus as a child, these “wise men” would have traveled over 800 miles to see Him.
May I remind you, there were no jet engines in their day. Traveling was not only long and slow, but also dangerous. Many people died along the roads the wise men would have traveled on!
If the wise men could risk their lives to meet the King of Kings, what are we willing to risk to meet with our God?
I’m not advocating we do anything astronomical. I’m not advocating we do anything in a dramatic fashion at all, I’m advocating we get out of our comfort zone.
I get comfortable in my prayer time just like anyone else. The problem is we can’t receive something we’ve never had if we aren’t willing to do something we’ve never done.
A New Commitment
Let’s be someone who reaches a new level or relationship with our God. A new level of commitment, a new level of love. Whatever that “new level” may be for you, I encourage you to be willing to go outside of what’s comfortable or convenient and stretch yourself in the area of your prayer life and your time with Him.
Does that mean reading Scripture again?
Does that mean singing or even dancing in His presence?
Maybe it means being honest with God after what may seem to be a long time?
Even if it’s a small difference, just be willing to stay committed to that difference!
Often, we try to make a huge impact all at once and then stop dead in our tracks only to be intimidated by the size of the task later. You know, after the passion subsides.
I’ve found that when it comes to daily habits, especially in our time with God, consistency outpaces intensity every time.
What changes will you make in your time with God today?
