The King Has Come (Advent)

When you hear the proclamation that a king has come—a ruler with universal dominion—what emotions rise to the surface of your heart? Is it excitement? Fear? Perhaps surprise?
The answer likely depends on what kind of king we think he is.

History teaches us that kings can bring either affliction or blessing. Some rulers take and enslave. Others, when they rule in the fear of the Lord, dawn on their people like the sun shining in full strength, like rain that causes grass to sprout from the earth. The character of the king determines whether his reign brings dread or delight.

A Star Rises in the East
The account in Matthew chapter 2 presents us with a remarkable scene: wise men from the east arriving in Jerusalem with a startling question: "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."

These travelers had left everything—houses, family, daily comforts—to embark on a perilous journey following a mysterious sign in the sky. What would compel such certainty? What could produce such assurance that they would stake everything on finding this newborn king?

The answer lies in the promises of God and His providential hand guiding them to fulfillment.

The Foundation of Certainty
These wise men weren't following mere speculation. They were following ancient promises that had echoed through generations. As far back as Numbers 24, the prophet Balaam had declared: "A star shall come out of Israel, and a scepter shall rise from Jacob."

The promises were far-reaching, and so was God's providence in making them known. Through figures like Daniel, who prophesied in Babylon, the expectation of a coming ruler from Judea had spread throughout the eastern lands. Historical records confirm that at this very time, there was a settled expectation among eastern peoples that a king with universal dominion would arise from Judea.

Whatever that star was—whether celestial phenomenon or angelic guide—it served as a tool in God's hands, leading seekers to the Promised One. Like the pillar of cloud and fire that led Israel through the wilderness, this star went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.

The Certainty We Need Today
These travelers had but a star to follow, yet they followed with great assurance. We have the full revelation of Scripture, yet how often we doubt. As Joshua declared at the end of his life: "Not one word of all the good promises of our God have failed. All have come to pass."

God is not man that He should lie or change His mind. What He promises, He fulfills. What He speaks, He accomplishes.

The invitation to wisdom stands before us today. James tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom, they need only ask God, who gives generously without reproach. Proverbs describes wisdom as standing in the streets, lifting its voice, crying out to the simple and foolish to listen and learn.

And remarkably, in Jesus Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He became to us wisdom from God. To know Him is to possess the gift of gifts.

The Reward of Seeking
These wise men didn't send servants in their place. They came themselves, leaving land and home for a king who wasn't even their own nationally. And what was their reward?
Verse 11 tells us: "Going into the house they saw the child."

They saw the face of God made manifest in flesh. As John's Gospel declares, "No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known."

This remains the reward for all who turn from seeking the things of this world to seek after Him. Beyond all secondary blessings, there is one that stands above the rest: to see the face of Jesus Christ.

Many today ask, "Who will show us some good?" seeking just a slice of heaven, a moment of peace and comfort. But when God gives His Son, He doesn't offer mere slices. He opens the windows of heaven and pours out blessings we cannot contain. He spares nothing, for He did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all.

Wise is the person who does not forsake the fountain of living water for broken cisterns that cannot hold water. Wise is the soul who says, "I will seek after Him in whom my soul is satisfied."

The Posture of Wisdom
The wise men brought gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—rendering tribute to the King. But notice what Scripture emphasizes: "They fell down before him. They worshiped him."
Not Mary. Not the star. Not themselves for having made the journey. They worshiped the One deserving of all worship. They worshiped the King—and they worshiped Him even before He wore a crown. They worshiped Him in the cradle.

This stands in stark contrast to a modern approach that treats Christ as a cosmic Santa Claus, coming to Him only to receive something from Him. These travelers came to give, to bow, to submit.

Everything within our fallen nature resists this submission. We want to be kings of our own lives. Yet Psalm 2 warns: "Be wise... Serve the Lord with fear and rejoicing with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way."

A King Worth Worshiping
But this is no tyrant demanding servile obedience. This is a good King who says, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."

He is first, by the very meaning of His name, King of Righteousness. Then He is also King of Peace. His throne is a throne of grace, by which we receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

The Wise Response
So what is our response to be if we too are to be considered wise?

• First, trust Him. In a world of lies, find assurance in His promises and His providential hand. When we cannot trace His hand, we can trust His heart.
• Second, come to Him. Stop searching the things of this world to satisfy you. Turn to the One who created both the world and you. "Seek the Lord while he may be found," Isaiah urges. "Call upon him while he is near."
• Third, bow before Him. Throw yourself upon Him today. Be quick to believe all that the prophets have spoken. Jesus the King has come, and He welcomes all who bow the knee to Him.

The wise men rejoiced with exceeding great joy when they saw the star. How much more should we rejoice concerning this great salvation? They had certainty about Him, they sought after Him, and they submitted before Him.

May we be found equally wise in our response to the King who came.