"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" By Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson: Matthew 2:7-9

 January 6

​"Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 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.' 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." -Matthew 2:7-9 (NRSV)

​Today as we celebrate Epiphany we honor the journey of the Wise Men to find Christ. Although it was a hazardous long journey God ensured it was in his perfect time. The "right timing" can be everything in life. It can transform defeat to victory, fear to faith and danger to security. Knowledge of time gives power to maintain schedules, and gain vital information about mysterious events and topics. Herod was obsessed finding out what the wise men knew and wanted exact times from them the star first appeared since he wanted to kill Jesus. He pretended to want to worship Christ, but God knew better and revealed his plot to the Magi. God transformed their dangerous situation to safety by warning them to flee in time to escape his evil plans. Herod never wanted to worship Christ but lied to trick the Magi to return to him and reveal the location of the newborn king. (Mt.2:11)

​Jesus was probably one or two years old when the Wise Men finally found him. By this time, Mary and Joseph were married, and living in a house in Bethlehem with Jesus. While we don't know the exact time the star stopped over the place they lived, God knew it was the right time to reveal Jesus to Wise Ones. Most scholars feel Jesus was about 2 then. God had been faithful to guide the Magi to Christ by a star of unknown origin over great distances and many dangers. God will not only guide you through this New Year if you seek him, but will reveal all you need at exactly the right time when you seek Christ first. Although we may not know what the future holds, we know who holds the future. Our God is greater than any problems, changes, or challenges that you can ever face!

​Prayer: God, Thank you for your perfect timing in life. Amen.

​Meditation For The Day: Seek and follow God's star every day.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)