One of my favorite inspirational stories in the Bible is the story of the Three Wise Men.  It is a story that ignites my imagination and I hope that it may do the same for you as you ponder a new year.  As you consider resolutions or renewing your commitments that have waned, read the amazing story below and I encourage you to be moved to take action, like the Three Wise Men, and make a new resolution to find Jesus and become a Christian Spiritual Superhero in God’s Kingdom here on earth. 

Before you read the story below, please take a moment and consider your own journey to Jesus.  Many say that when you truly find Jesus you are never quite the same.  Joy becomes an ongoing spring like a rushing stream that cannot be held back from within you.  Do you want that kind of rebirth in your life?  Before you read below, search your heart, mind and soul, and consider what calling and actions you can take to find Jesus today! 

Matthew 2:1-18    NRSVCE

The Visit of the Wise Men

2 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

The Escape to Egypt

13 Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”

The Massacre of the Infants

16 When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent men and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:

18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,
    wailing and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
    she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”

Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 2:1-18 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

The Three Wise Men were inspired to find Jesus, the newborn King of the Jews.  They dropped everything and went forth.  What a tremendous example of faith in action.  Just like them, we are searching for that point of reference in our spiritual hearts, minds, and souls that quenches our thirst and provides the ultimate understanding and joy deep within us.  Finding Jesus is a worthy pursuit and I encourage you to set that course today and never look back.  And, trust God to guide you, equip you, strip you and inspire you to find His Son.  You will never regret taking the Big Journey to Jesus!  He is there, ready and waiting for you!

Conclusion

The story of the Three Wise Men teaches us that we are supposed to act with faith and perseverance until we find Jesus.  No matter what.  I know that some of you may be wondering when is God going to call you like that?  If God has not yet made His presence known to you in a very real and exciting way in the form of a challenging call, then take heart.  He provides opportunities everyday with small, quiet calls.  Start with small steps in faith.  Pray.  Make an act of kindness. Give.  As you take action and see how God comes around you and He grows your confidence in your faith—watch out!  This is usually when bigger calls are coming your way!  

God Bless!

Jim Auslander