Wisdom Wishes 2023 (01/23)
“Wise men sought Jesus. They still do.” The old ones are the best. Why speak of wise men after Christmas?
That comes later, like the wise men did.
Shepherds sought Jesus in the Stable after supernatural messaging resulted in fear, amazement and Joy. (Luke 2:8-20) God speaks directly to the busy and lowly.
Intellectual and scientific questioning led wise men to Jesus. (Matthew 2) God speaks to the wealthy and wise. He even guides dreamers v12.
How inclusive of God.
How we hear from God is irrelevant.
How we respond to God is vital.
There is no record of the wise men at the Stable. They took months, or years, to reach Jesus. Herod selfishly tried to take control of God’s timely plan for the life and death of Jesus. He cruelly ordered the death of all children under two years old after being outwitted by wise men. (Matthew 2:16)
It was not the right time for Jesus to die. Wise men were not corrupted in this instance. Head and heart were in the right place. Are ours?
God’s timing prevails. As an adult, Jesus walked away unseen through crowds intent on his death. The time was not yet right for Jesus to die. (Luke 4:28-30).
We might fool ourselves into believing we know best and are in control of God’s plan and timing. Even religious leaders and the wise are imperfect. We can live unaware of God’s perspective, plan and purpose. God makes foolishness of the wisdom of the world. The message of the cross is foolishness to the perishing. (1 Corinthian 1:18-31)
Some are led by the head and others the heart. The two are not mutually exclusive. We don’t have to give up reason to be Christian, even if emotion can be overpowering. Journey and timing are irrelevant. Destination is conclusive.
The wise men offered gifts of value. What did they know or foretell? Perhaps… Gold, fit for a king. Frankincense, pure and holy offering. Myrrh, preparation of body for burial.
In 2023 we should work with wisdom wider than worldly wisdom. With the Lord, one day is like 1000 years. (2 Peter 3:8)
Wisdom Wishes for 2023.
Be wise with God.
