In Matthew 2:1-2, we read: “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’”
“It’s true, Timmy. Wise men still seek Him.” Grandfather reached for a book. “Listen, then tell me what you think.”
Belteshazzar, a Magi, saw a new star, reported it to his colleagues. The ancient sacred books promised of a coming King to the Hebrews. Could this be His star? He couldn’t leave his dying father but promised to follow the others. Months later, he started out. He'd invested his fortune in three gifts for the King, an emerald, a ruby and a pearl, gems of great price.
He neared Bethlehem, heard weeping and cries of anguish. Soldiers moved from house to house, killing the baby boys, two years and under. He opened the door to a home, saw a mother clinging to her baby, her eyes wide in terror. Putting his finger to his lips, he closed the door, leaned against it. A Roman soldier walked up to him.
“Step aside. All baby boys must...” He gasped as Belteshazzar opened his hand. The brilliance of the ruby danced in the morning light. The soldier grabbed the gem, moved to the next house.
Years passed, still he searched for the King. On the Jericho road, he found a man beaten and left for dead. He put him on his donkey, carried him to an inn. “Take care of him.” When the innkeeper looked doubtful, he handed him the emerald as payment.
A family, evicted from their home because of taxes, received the pearl which satisfied the greedy tax collector.
Entering Jerusalem years later, heart hurting, hands empty, he was jostled by the crowd. He saw three crosses. A sign on the middle one read: "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews." He’d missed the King. Shoulders slumped, head bowed, he stood by a building in the eerie darkness. The ground began to shake, buildings tumbled. Hit by falling debris, he fell to his knees. The Voice said, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”
“Wait. He found the King?” Grandfather nodded, smiled.
“Wait. He found the King?” Grandfather nodded, smiled.
Kingdom Thinking. Like Belteshazzar, we are pilgrims, seeking the King. He promises never to leave nor forsake us. He loves us with an everlasting love. Have you seen His Star? Do you worship Him? He waits for you.