"What Does It Cost?"

by Kelly Knowlden

If you had been a wealthy sky-gazer and had seen a new star in the sky, you would have immediately turned to the sources you had to find out what could it mean. Conjunctions of planets, comets, and sun disturbances were regarded as signs that had specific implications for people on earth. You would have turned to books and writings that only the wealthy could afford.

Then in looking through your sources, you would have discovered that there was a specific star mentioned in an ancient writing, perhaps the book of Numbers, an ancient Jewish text ... A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. ... A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel.

Now comes the Big Question. What would you do with that information?

The magi in the story of Matthew, decided that they would take time away from their work, spend money on a long trip in a dry and dusty land and look for this new born King. They also decided to bring Him gifts worthy of a king! They counted the cost and said it was worth it.

If you read carefully through the passage (Matthew 2:1-12), you will read that they were convinced that this was no earthly king. “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.” They went believing that they were going to see God-become-man.

What does it cost to seek Him today? Will it be convenient? Will it be comfortable? Will it fit with your work schedule? Will it make sense to anyone else? Will it be fun? Will it gain you anything? These are questions that we usually try to figure out before we venture into a new endeavor.

But the Big Question that we must answer is, “Do I really believe that I am going to find, know, understand the God-become-man?” If so, the questions I will ask will go like this: What is He like? How does He deal with the world? What about the tragic events that happen? How do I know Him? What does He require of me? Do I need to win His favor? What does it take to be good enough to see Him?

My prayer is that this Christmas season, you will ask these last questions and seek the wonder of the God-become-man. Wise men still seek Him.