DEVOTIONAL
The accomplishments of man throughout human history are exceedingly great. There is no doubt that man, who bears the image of God, has been gifted with an intellectual capacity that exceeds all other creatures God has created upon the face of this earth. We will all agree that these historical accomplishments were not done apart from fortitude, perseverance, and an unwavering mind. For a man who seeks to climb to the highest peak of a mountain must first count the cost. There will be many obstacles that he must overcome. He will have to strain every muscle and every sinew in his body, and with great exertion of energy, applying all strength, he will have to prevail over his own limitations. His mind will be saying “turn back,” but his body will be saying “press forward,” for who knows the glory that lies ahead. And once he reaches the top, pressing pass the anguish of his own pain, he will see the beauty of the valley below in a light like he has never seen it before. It is then he will be able to tell others who started the journey, but never finished it.
May the mystery of these Wiseman, who set their mind to see the Lord, be an example of spiritual diligence for those of us who have been saved through the blood of Jesus Christ. These diligent men were patiently waiting for the Savior of the world and were somehow made aware of the birth of a Christ by a star that sat in the eastern sky. Perhaps they knew the scriptures concerning the prediction of the Messiah, “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A star shall come forth from Jacob, A scepter shall rise from Israel.” Or maybe this knowledge was communicated to them by some other supernatural means, nevertheless they set out on the journey to see The Lord’s Messiah. It is possible coming from the east the journey could have been up to nine hundred weary miles. The dangers to be encountered were very great, but none of these things intimidated them. They had set their hearts on seeing Him “Who was born King of the Jews;” and they never rested until they cast their eyes upon Him Who would save many from their sins.
The Wiseman embarked upon this journey not fully knowing what to expect. They struggled through the treacherous land, even neglecting the command of Herod himself. But at the end of the journey they saw the word made flesh, Jesus Christ, the Savior of all mankind. Though we don’t know their names, the fortitude of these men have been examples for millions of Christians throughout church history.
Remember the accomplishments of men throughout human history are exceedingly great, but the greatest accomplishment ever achieved by man is the study of God. That is, when he sets his mind, like an unmovable stone, to come to a knowledge of God through Jesus Christ, according to the Holy Scriptures. For everything man seeks to accomplish apart from Christ is all vanity. As the scriptures tell us, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? May our hearts cry aloud, “Lord, fan my love for you until it is a glowing flame, for when faith sleeps, my heart becomes an unclean thing, the fount of every loathsome desire, the cage of unclean lusts, seeking only earthly things. Oh Lord, humble me until all heaven fills my soul.”