Much of what the gospel of Matthew does is connect Jesus to the ancient prophesies of the awaited Messiah. These verses are chock full of references, two of which we read earlier this week in Isaiah and in the Psalm. “A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord” (Isaiah 60:6). “May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute, may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts. May all kings fall down before him, all nations give him service” (Psalm 72:10-11).
These references are why we often talk about the “three kings,” despite the fact that they are not identified this way in Matthew. Instead, we’re told that these are wise men, educated in reading signs in the night sky, and apparently open to responding in a dramatic way to the sign that appears at the birth of Jesus. And while these men came to worship Jesus, many would later come for healing, forgiveness, learning, and acceptance.
What is it that you seek from Jesus? What gifts has he already given you? What gifts do you offer back to him? In what ways is your life a sign for others, pointing the way to Christ?
Today, after offering a prayer of praise, ask God to give you a vision for what you should be seeking.
