The World’s Wisdom Bows to God’s Wisdom
Matthew 2:10: When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
The word Epiphany means “an eye-opening revelation.” It refers to the season of the church year immediately after Jesus’ birth when God reveals His Son Jesus to the world. It begins with the Magi (wisemen) finding Jesus guided by a star. The story of the Magi is as familiar as the Christmas story itself. But there is something extraordinary going on here that I don’t want you to miss.
The Magi were revered by the people of that day for their education and wisdom. They were magicians, astrologers, and interpreters of dreams. These are the very arts that God red flagged in the Old Testament and even required the Israelites to banish people who practiced them. When Jesus arrives, God does not turn his face against the Magi and their arts. Instead, He makes use of their astrology training to lead them to the truth. God uses the wisdom of the Magi to lead them to His perfect wisdom. When they arrive, they didn’t just acknowledge Jesus as someone great; they worshipped Him as God. Here we see the wisest according to the world’s standards bowing down to the ultimate wisdom of God.
This event is equally as significant as the angels appearing to the shepherds first, of all people. The outcasts of society were welcomed into God’s Kingdom, despite being cast off by the rest of the world. The accounts of the Magi and the shepherds reveal an early fulfillment of Mary’s song, “He has brought the rulers from their thrones, but has lifted up the humble.”
Jesus routinely sought out the people that everyone else wanted nothing to do with, like tax collectors, prostitutes, and lepers. He also sought out…US. That’s the “aha” revelation of Epiphany. We bring nothing, but God gives us everything. Our mistakes and failures make us unworthy, but Jesus’ sacrifice brings us honor. When God revealed Jesus to the world, he revealed the one and only way we can become right with God. That makes us as overjoyed as the Magi when they saw the star.
We don’t often greet each other on January 6 with “Happy Epiphany!” But rejoice that God has revealed His Son, Jesus to you along with the deep love, forgiveness, and security He brings.
Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for showing me who Jesus is and revealing your incredible love and unending patience in Him. Lead me to seek Jesus out as persistently as He sought me out. Amen.