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"Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way."
(Matthew 2:12)
This week's Christmas devotions are focused on us learning from the Magi in Matthew 2. These men were on a mission and would not be hindered. They had a goal, and it transcended their individual lives and preferences. The path ahead of them was tough. Their journey to Bethlehem was not an easy one, but they stayed together and showed resolve. What held them together was the vision given to them by God. Purpose has a way of doing that.
The Church of Jesus Christ can learn much from these traveling Magi. We can gain insight and encouragement from their example. They had a vision from God that was centered around the Son of God, Jesus. They made sacrifices, stayed together, persevered, and accomplished what God intended them to do. They were guided by God and blessed by Him. And we see them heading home after doing what they set out to do.
The enemy of your soul, the devil, will seek to divide your home, your family, your church–anything that is sacred and precious to God. Satan seeks to bring harm, disunity, and division. He does not take time off during the Christmas holidays; in fact, he does some of his best work this time of year. But what will keep you blessed and successful is not your strength or abilities but simply your resolve to stay focused on Jesus.
There is a powerful unity that the church possesses. When we are unified around the person of Jesus, we are unstoppable. The enemy knows that, so he seeks to divide and conquer. I am glad the wise men did not fall to the temptations the devil must have hurled at them. Satan is crafty, but he could not get them in that way, so he tried to use Herod to get at them another way. Had they gone back to Herod to tell him what he wanted to know, that would have been detrimental, and who knows what he might have done to them personally.
It takes effort to keep unity and peace, especially during the Holiday Season. I hope you will do as the Apostle Paul taught us in Ephesians 4:3: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Strive for unity in your home, family, and church. Determine that you will love, forgive, and have the tenacity of the Magi to keep your focus on what is important. Whether there were three wise men or more, we do not know for sure. Whether they were kings or astronomers, there is some debate. But we do know they traveled a great distance and some of the terrain was not easy. As John Hopkins writes in his carol: "Field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star."
May the Lord bless your efforts "to live in peace with everyone and to be holy" (Hebrews 12:14).
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