THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 2:1-12
“We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2)
I am curious how pagan astrology pointed them to a Jewish messiah?
Apparently God works through non-christian religions to draw people to Jesus.
Is this story really about the Magi seeking Jesus, or God seeking the Magi.
I have heard stories of how God uses dreams to draw Muslims to faith in Jesus.
Or science, logic, or philopsohy to draw atheists to faith in God.
God reminds us that His grace goes way beyond our narrow boundaries and perspectives.
He is at work among Hindus, Jews, Muslims, atheists, and Christians, etc., drawing them to Jesus.
This is NOT to say every religion is right – not even Christianity is right – Jesus is right!
This IS to say that God’s Spirit comes to people in their faith, to show them Jesus.
If God is open to working through other peoples’ religions, to draw people to Jesus, can we too?
My experience with Muslims is that Jesus is the best place to start a conversation.
Just speaking His Name allows the Spirit access to their hearts!
The other thing I notice here is the Magi’s joy in worshiping Jesus
Compare this the lukewarm response of Herod and the Jews – God’s people.
These ‘outsiders’ (no, brothers of another faith) show more devotion than God’s own people.
I hear the Lord gently challenging me to compare my devotion to that of believers of other beliefs.
Am I as eager to honour Him with my heart, my gifts, my worship?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You love all people, You sent Jesus into the world for the whole world. Thank You for reminding me that You are already at work in the lives of those around me, revealing Yourself to them.