"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great delight." Matthew 2:10
Wise men searching for a great king, led to a humble house with a you Mary the only attendant. The had followed the star, "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth." Numbers 24:17. They expected to find a king. They had FIERCE FAITH & JOY, this star was leading them and they were committed to find Him, worship him, and offer him their gifts.
In July I heard the Lord God Almighty say, Pay attention to God's new work. As I read about the wise men God highlights several things.
The wise men were paying attention, looking to the sky for a sign.
The wise men were spiritually sensitive, they had positioned themselves to receive diving guidance.
They were ready to embrace change, a king not found in a palace but a humble home, a baby, a king outside of their culture. This was a new wine moment for them.
They became active participants in Jesus story. Intentionally engaged, sacrificing to see the Savior, and leaving behind lavish gifts to bless the new king.
When the wise men left they returned to their own country. Their mission was accomplished and they were ready for God's next new season.
The wise men operated in FIERCE FAITH. Somewhere they had been taught how to look for the newborn king of the Jews. They held on to that teaching and in faith traveled hundreds of miles, at great expense, time, and sacrifice. Their persistence was rewarded when they found the one they were looking for.
They operated in FIERCE JOY, following the path before them that would lead to the king bringing the opportunity to worship.
They followed, they were obedient to God's purpose for their part of the story of salvation.
Where is your FIERCE FAITH leading you, out of where, out of what? The wise men left fear, anxiety, thoughts of rejection, they left their homeland and culture for where or what? Where the star led them and what they found was the presence of the King of Kings.
What is the result of surrendering to God's plan for your life? For the wise men, it was FIERCE JOY. It is the same for you and me when we surrender to God's plan for our lives, FIERCE JOY, unexplainable, as it rises up inside, in the midst of the unexpected.
The wise men did not expect to find a baby in a humble house, but just because Jesus was not what they expected Him to be they had not failed in their mission. They held on to the truth that the star had led them and they had found exactly what they were looking for and they honored Jesus for who He truly is, King of Glory!
Lesson Three: A fierce seeking for the King of Glory by fierce faith brings fierce joy!