The Magi, or the wisemen’s part in the Christmas story is found in Matthew 2:1-12. The Magi weren’t Jewish, but they knew the prophecies concerning the Jewish Messiah. The Magi’s made the trip to Bethlehem as a result of their study of the prophecies and because they saw the star which they recognized as being the Messiah’s star.

Here we are on day 9 of the 12 days of Christmas series and as I sit here pondering the scriptures that mention the Magi and their visit to see the Messiah, I am transfixed by their commitment to studying and their commitment to set out on a trip to follow a star in the hopes of finding the Messiah.

The question that has come into my mind is, do I know the scriptures and prophecies well enough that I would recognize the signs of Christ’s second coming with the same degree of accuracy that the Magi had?

Mark 13:32 tells us that no one knows the day or hour of Christ’s second coming, but in Mark 13:28 & 29, Jesus tells us that when we see the things mentioned earlier in the same passage we will know the time is getting close. It’s so important for us to know the whole Bible for ourselves and not just bits and pieces. There’s no quick fix or crash course for really getting a solid understanding of the Bible, it takes study over time and with some effort on our parts. I’m certainly not going to put myself out there as an expert on scripture, because I don’t think that I am.  What I know of the Bible has come through my own personal study, and being a part of Bible studies at my church. I have no degree in theology from any school, or any type of formal education related to the Bible.  But I think that’s ok because the Magi didn’t have those types of credentials either.

I’m inspired by the Magi to study the Bible and the prophecies it contains.  I really think it only makes sense if someone calls themselves a Christian, then that person should know what they believe and why they believe it. It’s not enough to take another person’s word for it, or to adopt someone else’s opinion for yourself. Reading the Bible, studying it, and praying through it is the only way to gain a personal understanding of the scripture and what it contains.

I can’t imagine someone calling themselves a doctor and acting like a doctor and getting away with it if they never studied medicine for themselves. Or how about a lawyer who never studied law? Not that Christianity is a profession or an occupation, because it’s not.  It’s a life-long commitment to be in relationship with Jesus Christ.

So then, how about if I said I was Dan Wood’s wife, but I never spent any time with him, never talked to him and had no idea about any of his interests, likes or dislikes?  When I say I’m Dan Wood’s wife and people watch me interact in conversation with him, see me make his coffee just the way he likes it, or see how he acts towards me, they know I’m not making it up.  The relationship between us has been built over time (celebrating 23 years of marriage to the same guy this month!!) and through the years we’ve grown closer and our relationship has grown richer. I know Dan because I’ve spent a whole lot of time with him, I’ve studied him (because I find him fascinating!), and I pay attention to him.

In John 10:27 Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” If we’re in relationship with Jesus and call ourselves Christians, we need to spend time studying the Bible (His word). That’s how we get to know Him.

And then maybe, just maybe someday we’ll be like the Magi and be able to recognize the signs of the times and ages so that we will know for ourselves and not because someone else told us, but because we are able to match them up to His word accurately just like the Magi did.

Be blessed.