Devotional for Thursday, December 19th
Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 2:9-12
One of my favorite bands is Switchfoot. I love the way they tackle subjects like God and brokenness with such relatability. In the song Stars, they sing about looking up at the night sky and being reminded that we're not alone:
I've been thinking about everyone
Everyone you look so lonely
But when I look at the stars
When I look at the stars
When I look at the stars
I see someone else
We are nearing the end of the Christmas story. Jesus has been born, and at least a few months have passed by. Mary and Joseph are still hunkering down in Bethlehem, and they get a visit from a strange group called the Magi. (Sometimes referred to as "Wise Men.") In most Nativity scenes, the Magi are right there in the middle of the action with the angels and shepherds. But if we're going for a more accurate timeline, the Magi might fit in better with our autumn decor! (A pumpkin spice Magi candle, maybe?)
One of the most eye-opening teachings I ever heard about the Magi came from my pastor, Zach Van Dyke. He commented on how the Magi were "outsiders" to the faith. They were astrologers, and astrology was forbidden in the Old Testament. They believed in signs and omens. In fact, one definition of the word magi is "a sorcerer."
The Magi were people who might feel uncomfortable around the "church crowd." And the church crowd might feel nervous around them. But God met the Magi where they were. He spoke to them in a language they could understand (a star in the sky). And these outsiders became one of the first people (second only to lowly, dirty, stinky shepherds) to worship Jesus.
I think Christians sometimes put God in a box. We know the way he communicates with people. We know what outsiders look like. We know what insiders look like. We know what outsiders look like when they are ready to be insiders. And we know exactly how we are supposed to reach them. But God broke all the expectations when he put that star in the sky to guide the Magi.
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. (v. 10)
These "sorcerers" were so overwhelmed with joy that it caused them to bow down to a toddler. Why? Because when they looked at the stars, they saw someone else. They saw Jesus.
The days before Christmas are chaotic. There are only six days left, and I haven't even started my shopping yet (don't tell my family). As we go through these final days, how can we be on the lookout for people who don't feel included? How can we invite them into our celebrations?
How can we show a no-strings-attached kind of love to people who have different beliefs from us?
How can we meet people where they are, as God does, to make sure nobody is left out?
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