This week in worship we looked at the presence of the wise men in Jesus’ life. The journey they took, the gifts they gave, and the different roads they departed on to go home. There is a phrase, normally accompanied by a picture of them that states, “wise men still seek him.” Pretty catchy.

I bet though, that the “wise men” didn’t consider themselves wise in the journey, just faithful to find and worship a King. Thought: I wonder that if you consider yourself to be wise, that is the exact thing that prohibits you from wisdom?

James 1:5 states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.”

Wisdom isn’t something that is cultivated or learned, James is clear that wisdom is a gift from God. King Solomon? Look him up. Wisdom is a gift because it brings us into a closer relationship with God. Observing who he is and learning to behave like him.

That’s exactly what happened to the Magi. They were brought into a closer relationship with God in Christ Jesus as a little boy, observed who he was, and no doubt were changed by his very presence. I’d say that is God’s way to being wise.

Open and willing to be sent home in another direction because of a dream. That takes a discerning mind, a trusting heart, a willing, accepting spirit. They did that, not just one of them, but all three. God’s wisdom became their own, all because they experienced the presence of His Son.

My hope for us all is that we will cease in the seeking, stop our lives long enough to discover him (because He is right here with us in plain sight), and begin to live our lives down a different road … path … journey with and for Jesus.

Tim Beck is pastor of Kenbridge United Methodist Church. His email address is revtimbeck@ gmail.com.