Would you consider yourself wise? Not a question that's usually asked of you, is it? In my thirty-seven (almost thirty-eight) years, I don't think I've ever been asked this question. Nor, to my recollection, has anyone ever called me wise--a wise guy, perhaps, but not wise. According to Webster's Dictionary, to be wise means: "having the power of discerning and judging properly as to what is true or right; possessing discernment, judgment, or discretion." Does this definition clear things up for you? If so, answer the question: "Would you consider yourself wise?" I can't speak for you, but for me, I don't have a lot of prime real estate in the land of the wise (although I have been told that I am a wiseacre)!
But, If I take into account my relationship with Jesus, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the study of God's Word, then I have to say that I am wise beyond my years. In fact, not only am I wise beyond my years, I'm also wise beyond my limited human perspective, wise beyond my experience--just plain wise. The thing is, this truth doesn't make me particularly special. God's transcendent wisdom is available by faith in Christ, to anyone! As James 1:5 tells us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
There is a catch, though, you have to be wise enough to know you're not wise. What? Are you confused? Has my superior wisdom sent you reeling? All I'm trying to say is that true wisdom is seeking the wisdom that comes from God, not our own unwise selves! Problem is, we'd much rather learn things our own way then to trust the wisdom of another, even if that other is God! If you don't believe me, you've never been a teenager!
To wrap this truth in Christmas paper, let me ask you a question? Why is it that the shepherds (consider dumb scum in Jesus' day), were the only ones on the scene when the babe was born? Where were the wise (in their eyes)? Where were the religious scholars of that day? They were too busy teaching others to learn something from the wisdom of a few rather humble, rather well-informed shepherds.
Let's take this a step further. Why is it that the religious community, after almost two years, still hadn't caught on to the fact that their King, their Messiah, their Lord, was living in Bethlehem? It's plainly embarrassing to think that it takes some wise foreigners following a star to get any interest raised about going in Jerusalem!
The answer to all these questions is the same: those who already considered themselves wise couldn't see. They couldn't even see what was happening next door, some five miles away in Bethlehem. Sad, isn't it! What about you? Can you see the real truth of Christmas?
Here are a few thoughts on the guys who have come to be known for their wisdom, the "wise men", or Magi. What was it that made them so wise?
First, they didn't let their culture, or backgrounds get in the way of seeking the King! The Magi were Gentiles. They had their own religion (Zoroastrianism, most likely, say that five times real fast, I dare ya). They lived in a distant land, in a culture that really had nothing to do with the Jewish faith, or the Bible. Their lives, their families, their jobs didn't help them on their way to becoming globe trotting spiritual seekers, and yet that's exactly what happened. They left everything behind to pursue the truth, as a result they found Jesus. They found what they were looking for. What about us? Are we willing to leave our culture and background behind us to pursue the truth? Just how important is the star of truth to you? How far will you journey to find it?
Second, the Magi were wise because they worshiped the newborn King. These great men of learning willingly bowed down before Jesus and gave Him costly gifts. That was, in fact, the reason for their journey! What is the reason for your spiritual journey? Is it to worship and give, or be entertained and receive? Are you motivated to find the truth, or are you motivated to justify whatever you're already doing in your life? The only way to find true wisdom is by bowing your life to Jesus and worshiping Him by giving the gift of your life.
Finally, the Magi were wise because they listened to God. After they saw Jesus they had a dream in which God told them not to return to Herod, so they went home a different way (Mat. 2:12). What would have happened if they hadn't listened? Be wise this Christmas and listen. Spend time specifically listening to God by praying and reading His Word, by retreating from the BUSYness of this Season and finding a quiet place to hear.
Here's hoping that we'll all spend this Christmas, and our lives, wisely!