The Ultimate Journey (Part One)

By Ilcias Vargas, Jr.

About this time of year, we think of the tremendous sacrifice God made for our salvation in sending Jesus to this earth. Although we know that Jesus was not actually born on December 25, it's good to take time to think about this important step in God’s plan of salvation, especially at a time when the rest of the world is geared to doing so.

​When Jesus was born, angels proclaimed the news of His birth to lowly shepherds living out in the fields (Luke 2:8-14). According to the pen of Inspiration, these angels gathered together and formed a large, bright, star-like object that was visible for hundreds of miles.

Far away in an eastern land (possibly Babylon), some influential men of a priestly caste called the Magi saw this “star” and recognized it as an important divine sign. These particular Magi were interesting men. They had heard some prophecies about a new Messiah ruler that would arise from the land of Israel. Intrigued, they sought more information regarding this Messiah. God guided them to the Hebrew Scriptures, where they learned more about the Messiah’s birth, life, and mission. Perhaps they even studied the prophecies of Daniel, which gave indications as to when the Messiah would appear. They were seeking after God, and God was guiding them. Soon they saw the star formed by the angels, and they remembered a prophecy found in Numbers 24:17: “A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel...” (NKJV). They saw the star as a sign from God indicating that Messiah had arrived. Upon realizing this, they began a journey to Israel to search for the Messiah.*

When they were arrived in Jerusalem, they expected to find the people all excited about the arrival of Messiah. Rather, even the priests were indifferent to the prophecies that indicated the time had come! Yet the Magi continued searching, and God continued guiding them. He even used the indifferent priests to inform the Magi that Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem. Thus they continued their search by traveling to Bethlehem.

Upon leaving Jerusalem, these wise men saw the star again. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy” (Matthew‬ ‭2:10‬, ‭NKJV‬‬). They found joy in seeking the Messiah and in recognizing God’s guidance.

Like the Magi, we should seek after God. When we do, God will guide us. He wants to be found by us. In Jeremiah 29:13, He promises: ““And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (NKJV). As was in the case of the Magi, others may try to discourage us from seeking after God; but like the Magi, we should continue anyway. Some try to find joy and pleasure in anything but God — food, money, relationships, entertainment, academic achievements — things that are not necessarily wrong in themselves, but the joy they bring is only temporary. We find the greatest joy and pleasure in seeking after God.

So seek for Him with all your heart — and you will find Him. You'll discover that He's not very far (Acts 17:27); He's only a prayer away.

*A lot of the information about the wise men given in the third paragraph is taken from the sixth chapter of The Desire of Ages, a classic on the life of Christ.