C. S. Lewis defined hope in so many words as “a continual looking forward to something better.” This describes the Magi. They saw a star! That’s it? They looked beyond the earthly to the heavenly and were willing to take a step of faith. The star of Christmas always points to a better future. The Magi expected to find a better future. I’ve wondered what pushed them on mile after mile. Surely travel was not something comfortable and convenient in those days. Yet, they came to Jerusalem, where one would natural expect to find the King of the Jews, and inquired of others for his whereabouts. Christ holds the answers to life and a brighter future. Ask and you will receive! Seek and you shall find! Knock and it will be opened unto you!
M. Lloyd Jones wrote, “It is a fundamental principle in the life and walk of faith that we must always be prepared for the unexpected when we are dealing with God.” That’s what the Magi found when they arrived at Jerusalem. The king is not exactly what they expected him to be! He was not in plush surroundings in the capital city. He was in a barn, surrounded by the sights and smells of animals. The Christian life is filled with unexpected surprises. We should see it that way! The life that lies ahead is one of great adventure.
The Magi were ready to change their route because of divine revelation. The supernatural revelation given to us in the Bible should be to us like the warning the angels gave the magi to return home a different way. For a better future, things have to change! There are lots of things to be said about the past, but I think God sent Jesus to make things better. God means the future to be better, and, as someone once said, unless the past has made ready for a better future, the past was a bad past.
Chuck
“I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11