Astrologers Seek and Worship Jesus

From an Africa Study Bible touch point:

What is the role of the wise men? The Greek word, sometimes translated “magi”, is used three times in the New Testament: describing the men here, Simon (Acts 8:9), and Elymas (Acts 13:6-9). Though “magi” is sometimes translated “sorcerer,” none of these biblical examples includes what many of us in Africa mean by a sorcerer or witch—someone who secretly harms people through invisible, spiritual means. They are closer to a “diviner”—someone in a public role who is supposed to interpret signs to understand hidden knowledge and who can do amazing things. The early church used a Greek translation of the Old Testament, which called Daniel and those who served the king of Babylon “magi”. “Magi” is the origin of the English word “magician.”

Shockingly, it is not the king of Israel but the pagan diviners who responded to Jesus when they heard about him. Herod and the religious scholars did not take the short walk to Bethlehem to find Jesus. Herod killed all the young male children in order to protect his own position and power. Jewish leaders continued to oppose Jesus throughout his life.

In contrast, these wise men, or astrologers, used the light available to them through their own religion and divination techniques. Perhaps they also used an awareness gained from Jews who lived alongside them in Babylon, so they knew where to travel in search of the King of the Jews. They sought out the religious scholars to find out more. Their difficult search led them to find and worship Jesus. Then they obeyed God and protected Jesus by not sharing their knowledge with Herod. 

Today, Jesus is found by people we would not expect to find him. At the same time, people who should welcome Jesus often protect their own interests instead. Whatever our background, let us be people who intensely pursue meeting, worshipping, and obeying Jesus. 

Today: 

When you encounter Jesus, you can reject him because it would cost too much, or you can accept, worship, and obey him. Examine your actions and the attitude of your heart. Are there areas where you resist the idea that Jesus is King? Confess these and ask for God’s help to surrender to him.