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God called foreigners, with a mystical philosophy, to know and worship Christ before most of Israel ever knew what happened. They followed the light that God gave them. We should be wise and follow their example.

Finding Light in a Dark World – Matthew 2:2 cp. John 1:4-5

Politics and religion in Jerusalem had not provided the light. It came from out of this world. Christ is our light, not culture, science, or the powers of this world (John 1:1-5, 9-18; I John 1:1-10; 2:15-17). Herod’s interest in Christ was insincere and manipulative. Politics today is capable of using Christian issues to gain favor (votes & support) from society. Others are using politics to wage a very desperate war against Christ and the Gospel. The religious leaders of Israel could provide an address for the birthplace of the Messiah, but none of them showed enough personal interest to physically go and worship Him. Much scholarship in religion today is used to impress and influence society about many issues, but scholars who are not worshippers and followers of Jesus Christ are not to be trusted.

Following Light in a Dangerous World – Matthew 2:9 cp. John 8:12

Herod and the leaders of Israel were dangerous people to be around. Their “light” was stationary, like the light from a light post. It kept you confined and under their influence. The light of Christ moves us from this world and the world hates that. If you believe in His light, you have to follow His light (John 8:12 cp. 3:18-21; 12:35-36; Colossians 1:13; Ephesians 5:8).

Fellowshipping in the Light in a Demanding World – Matthew 2:10-12 cp. I John 1:1-7

The wise men were joyful at the sight of their guiding light. They fulfilled their quest of finding the King. They worshipped Him and gave Him gifts. With God’s direction, they defied King Herod. The light that God supplies produces joy (I John 1:1-4). God’s light leads to worship and service of the King of Kings. This fellowship is gaining other believers and growing into a “forever” family. The world demands that we cancel this “negative, out-dated set of morals and myths” and join them in a world of logic, tolerance, cooperation and safety. The world’s peace and safety is false, short-lived and doomed. Christ has conquered sin and death. His Kingdom is forever. Consider Proverbs 11:21; 21:30; Jeremiah 6:13-16; John 16:33; 17:11-21; I Thessalonians 5:1-11; I Corinthians 15:55-58; Ephesians 2:11-22; Revelation 1:5-8, 17-18.

Let us be like the wise men: Find God’s Light in this dark world; follow that light and fellowship with others in this light. See John 3:16-21; I John 1:5-7; Ephesians 5:1-21.