Late, Lost...& Found

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matt 2:1,2,11)

If you’ve ever been late in buying gifts, or sending out greeting cards, and if you’ve ever received a “return to sender” notice from an invalid address--then take heart; you’re in good company. The famed “wise men” that we hear about every Christmas also had a knack for miscues when it came to timing and destinations. For all their knowledge, the wise men or magi, apparently arrived as late as two years after the birth of the Christ child, eventually locating Him, only after inquiring of King Herod regarding His whereabouts.

The ancient Greek historian Herodotus records that the magi were a priestly caste of the Medes. They were active throughout Babylonia and Mesopotamia during much of the Old Testament era. They acted as advisors to kings, interpreting dreams and otherwise divining wisdom through their occult magic. They also helped settle questions of science and law (from which the word magistrate is derived). As contemporaries of the prophet Daniel, the magi gained a great deal of familiarity with Jewish Scripture--including prophecy regarding the messiah.

As God would have it, the signs in the Scriptures and the heavens eventually led them to Jesus. Upon seeing the child, their response indicates they became the earliest Gentile believers in Christ, where they worshipped in His presence. They also offered gifts of special significance: gold in tribute to the King of kings, frankincense to worship the eternal High Priest, and myrrh for the Savior who would suffer for the sins of humanity (Matt 1:21). More than sentiment, this ancient story also has application for each generation--in the midst of our own life stories.

In a phrase, “late and lost” certainly described my spiritual condition before my journey led me to the Savior. At 33, my appointment with destiny occurred later than I anticipated and happened in a place I didn’t expect. Although raised in the traditions of the faith, my wanderlust of youth confused life’s priorities and squandered many gracious opportunities. Ironically though, the zeal I have now for things eternal--seems to be in direct proportion to the forgiveness I’ve received in my life.

Everyone has his or her own story. Can you recall a time and place that you experienced the forgiveness found only in the “Prince of Peace” (Isa 9:6)? Are you aware that right now, wherever you happen to be, God continues to extend salvation to us (2 Cor 6:2)? Destiny portends, that like the wise men, when you happen onto the Lord Jesus, your heart’s desire will also manifest trust in the atoning work of the Savior, worship for the Son of God, and service to the King of kings.

Like an intricate tapestry, that appears a haphazard patchwork underneath, many times the beauty of life’s patterns can best be seen from heaven’s perspective. It is my sincere hope, that sometime during your spiritual journey, regardless of seemingly errant timing or destinations, you also will be “found” in that vast number of souls who have placed their trust in the Lord for their salvation.

From my family to yours then--may God grant you His wisdom this Christmas.

"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13)

Roy Tanner