We Need to Walk

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him." (Matthew 2:7-8 NIV)
Herod may not have read his Bible, but by this time he knew God’s plan.  The Magi told  him that the star announced the birth of the new king of the Jews.  His chief priests and scribes told him that the baby was to be born in Bethlehem, just as the Scriptures had said.  Now, he wanted to find this newborn king.  He said he wanted to worship him.
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. (Matthew 2:9 NIV)

Now, the Magi get to continue their journey.  I love reading that the star “went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.”  The Magi were led by a moving star.  It led them right to Jesus.  All they needed to do was walk.

It’s kind of like instant soup, drink mix, or those little capsule-sponge toys that expand into a dinosaur. All you have to do is “just add water.”  Walking with God is much the same way.  All we have to do is walk.  God shows us the way.  He sent messengers throughout history to let us know God’s design and desire for our lives.  He sent his Son to bring us back home when we strayed.  He sent us his Spirit to guide us and strengthen us in this life while we look forward to the next.  God has given us everything we need.  All we need to do is walk.  The Magi walked.  So, they got to see Jesus face to face.

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:10-11 NIV)

The Magi said they wanted to worship him.  They worshiped him.  They did exactly what they set out to do.  Their worship started with a long journey from the East.  Their worship continued when they faced roadblocks – like a king who didn’t want this baby to live.  Their worship culminated in the giving of gifts to the child and his family.  The Magi gave worship to the newborn king.

You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way. (Psalms 18:36 NIV)

I have a friend who once told me, “It’s really not that hard.” He was talking about worship.  He was talking about walking together with God.  Sometimes we make it complicated.  Sometimes we think it is difficult – even impossible.  But it’s not.  It’s as easy as walking and following a star.  The Magi did it.  So can we.

So, how about you?  Do you see where God is leading you?  Do you follow Him; taking one step at a time?  Do you see how easy it is to worship?  Do you walk?