“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
These magi were more than mere astrologers. They did not make a long and arduous journey every time a curious astronomical coincidence occurred. They did not bring their treasures to empty them out before every child who would one day rule. Rather, they seemed to desire something deeper. Perhaps the star at first appeared to them as a normal sign whose significance they would read by the lore of their people. But the more attention they paid to this star the more it revealed itself as something different. It was as if it were drawing them to see the reason why it shone. The more they responded to it, the less it seemed like one more fixed heavenly body, and the more it seemed like a guide. Perhaps they were familiar with Balaam's oracle about the star. Their ancestors may have compared notes with Daniel and the other wise Jews once held captive in Babylon and been told of it.
I see him, but not now;
I behold him, but not near:
a star shall come out of Jacob,
and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; (see Numbers 24:17)
If it was a memory such as this, no wonder desire was kindled in them. It is often the case the faith of one in exile motivated the eventual conversion of others who noticed something about them that was different and desirable. We think here of Ruth's desire to follow Naomi (back to Bethlehem no less). We think of the captive servant girl who served the wife of Naaman who led to his eventual cure of leprosy and conversion to the Lord.
If you will not,” said Naaman, “please let me, your servant, be given as much earth as a pair of mules can carry, for your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the Lord (see Second Kings 5:17).
It was the desire of the magi, more than their knowledge that enabled them to discover the future king that was concealed from the chief priests and the scribes by their indifference, and which Herod's fear could not reveal or ascertain. In Herod's presence the chief priests and scribes recited the words that contained the answer. But the precise guidance provided by the star was hidden from them, evident only to those who sought in hope.
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
This star was unusual to say the least, visible day and night, hiding from the malevolent plans of Herod, but then leading the magi to the precise spot where the newborn king was to be found. As further proof that they were not seeking a merely human king we notice how they were undeterred by the poverty they encountered when they found Jesus in Bethlehem. They didn't wonder if the star had deceived them or go on to check nearby houses for someone more regal. Instead they prostrated themselves, worshipped, and offered their gifts. The visible light of the star had led them to a still greater spiritual light and beauty that answered the deepest desires of their hearts.
Then you shall be radiant at what you see,
your heart shall throb and overflow,
for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,
the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.
It has become commonplace to observe it, but no one goes away from Christ the same way she came. This fact that would ever after transform the lives of the magi is meant to change us as well. But it will not do so if we are like Herod and only fear for how the newborn king might upset our existing lifestyles. Nor is it enough to merely know about him as did the chief priests and the scribes. We must allow the beauty of the promises of God to fill us with holy desire, so that we may find in him what the magi found. Then we too will empty out our treasures at his feet.
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