Priorities in the Journey

“We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." Matthew 2:2b

I enjoy planning trips. I check out where I am going on an atlas, often using MapQuest to gauge how long it will take to get to where I want to go. The magi started out on a journey unsure of their exact destination, but they had heavenly directions- a star to follow. They understood that this star was no ordinary star, but one that would lead them to someone special. Their journey begins with the star and ends directly underneath the star (Matthew 2:9).

The magi had their priorities in the right place- to journey as long as it took to carry gifts to the new king, to worship Him. They sought the king and worshiped Him, the highest priority a man should pursue. They also illustrate faith in the journey. They did not know where they would arrive but had faith that by following the star they would find the king. The wise men humbled themselves and paid tribute to the Christ child! these were not token presents; they were extremely precious and rare. These gifts illustrated the depth of their love and devotion. God received the very best that they could offer.

Matthew Henry writes “Those who live at the greatest distance from the means of grace often use most diligence, and learn to know the most of Christ and his salvation. But no curious arts, or mere human learning, can direct men unto him. We must learn of Christ by attending to the word of God, as a light that shineth in a dark place, and by seeking the teaching of the Holy Spirit”.

Where do your priorities lie today? Where do mine? It is never too late to journey in the right direction, to get your priorities right. Confess to the Father (1 John 1:9), spend time in the word, and worship the King. The greatest gift you can give to Jesus is your life. The greatest journey you can ever take is the one following Him. Why not go on the journey? We are assured that “If you seek Him, He will be found by you” (I Chronicles 28:9). There is no better Christmas gift than that of salvation.

Digging deeper: Jeremiah 30:9; Psalm 48:14; Psalm 8:3-4; Numbers 24:17: Isaiah 60:3