Wise men still seek Him

January 6 is observed as the Epiphany of Our Lord on which God’s people celebrate the coming of the magi (wise men) to worship the newborn King Jesus. Over the years, much has been added to the basic facts recorded by St. Matthew in chapter two of his Gospel account. For instance, the explorer Marco Polo said that while traveling in Persia in the 1270’s he came to a Persian town and claimed the three wise men were buried there in elaborate tombs. Also, various names have been given for the wise men, with one tradition dating back to about 500 AD. And as for what the star the magi saw and followed actually was, again, several hypotheses have been offered such as a comet, a convergence of planets, or a once-in-a-lifetime miraculous star. The account of the Epiphany is but one example of how one can read through the Scriptures and wish that God the Holy Spirit would have inspired the writer to give more details. And when things happen in our daily lives that leave us perplexed as to how God can really be working through all things for the good of those who love Him, we may find ourselves praying, “Lord, would You fill in the details? What exactly are You doing here and why?” Of course, God can do whatever He wants. But since He has revealed Himself as a God of mercy and love we would like to know how that goes along with Him allowing very difficult situations. Perhaps a better question to ask rather than why did God leave certain details out is: What is it that You want me to know from what You have revealed? When it comes to the Epiphany, one of the basic things is that Jesus came not just for one group of people, but that all nations would be blessed through Him. And so God in some way led the Magi to understand a special birth was taking place and the need for them to worship that King.

Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase “Wise men still seek Him.” God has revealed to us who Jesus is. Unlike the magi, we have the benefit of knowing all that He did through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection. And so, despite sometimes having a lack of details, we also come to Him in worship, trusting in His love and mercy, praying that God the Holy Spirit would continue to work in us a faith that holds on to Him in every circumstance, knowing that He is at work in perfect love.