A quest for knowledge leads to an abundant life!
Advent devotions: How many professions do you find represented in the Christmas story? We find seven, and as a gift to you this advent, we have made a devotion about each one of them. This is the fourth, and if focuses on intellectuals and scientists.
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, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. Matthew 2: 1 to 12 (King James Version)
The magi or wise men of their time were the intellectuals and scientists of their society, with an insatiable curiosity to understand the world around them. They did not just take what they saw at face value. Instead, they diligently researched and inquired to comprehend the significance of what they were witnessing. When they discovered a new and unfamiliar start, they assumed that this was not just a random astronomical occurrence but a celestial sign pointing towards something significant.
The wise men's quest for knowledge led them to conclude that the star indicated the birth of a new king. Driven by their conviction, they set out on a faith journey to find the origin of their observations - Jesus. Thus, the magi followed the star to find and worship Jesus as king. Their journey was not just a physical one but also a spiritual and intellectual one.
The magi's pursuit of knowledge and commitment to follow through with their beliefs are potent examples of how we can discover Jesus in and through our work. Their diligence, curiosity, and faith led them to the most significant discovery of their lifetime, and their story continues to inspire people to seek knowledge and truth in their lives today.
If you are someone who asks questions, do not let anyone make you feel like this is a lack of faith. Your quest for knowledge can lead to abundant life!
God the Father worked providentially over time to bring His plans to fruition, and the journey of the magi tells us about this. We could say that they were the first Gentiles to acknowledge Jesus as king.
The example set by the wise men or magi teaches us that no matter how scientific or mundane our work may seem, we can always serve Jesus in it. Our commitment to performing our work with diligence and excellence is our form of worship to Jesus, which can inspire those around us. The story also tells us that we can get to know about Jesus through science. If we investigate nature deeply, we will find many things that points towards the one who created it.
Prayer
Jesus, we pray that the scientists of today, will discover you through their research. Thank you for leaving so many traces about yourself in creation. Help us always to seek to know more about you when we study everything that you have made.