December 24, 2021
Scripture Resource Passage: Matthew 2
“…Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem…” (Matthew 2:7-8a). The intrepid and mysterious strangers focus on their mission. No king or laborious travel keeps them from their perceived assignment to find the child.
Our travels may not be divinely directed; but, for our personal journeys we hope to arrive on time. We hope our connections work. We hope luggage is not lost. We hope for a peaceful flight. We hope for good weather. Hope must be strong for when traveling with Covid in the air, special challenges await.
We are unaware of the traveling conditions or health concerns of the Magi. However, their hope, their passion is on full display in our brother Matthew’s partial account of their journey.
We know one portion of the story: “And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route” (Matthew 2:12). Having achieved their goal of finding the child, these Magi disappear from Scripture’s record as the motivated travelers who were among the first to welcome the new born King.
Hope is a powerful force. Hope encourages disciples when sin threatens to ruin us. Hope lifts hearts when depression diminishes. Hope raises light on cemetery-grounds. Hope calls us from nightmares into the sustaining abundance of milk and honey. Hope is the Christ, when all others fail.
Life Applications
Your greatest hope?
During challenging times, which spiritual disciplines reawaken your determination to be hopeful?
Is there one person, more than others, who encourages you to be hopeful?
Do you find yourself living as hopeful disciple?
Do other disciples know you a source of hope?
Thank you for reading. May the season find you hope-filled. Grace and peace to each of you.
Comments and suggestions are most welcome.
Dr. Andrew Simkins 