Scholar or Magi?

I can see you there, you scholar, you teacher of the law, with your important position in Herod's court. Busy, busy, busy with the work of the day. 

The court stirs...a contingent of Magi from a far off land are welcomed in. They come with a question: where is the new born king, whose rising star trumpeted his arrival? You are summoned. Do you know the answer from your studies of the Holy Scriptures? This is your moment. You have studied. You know the answer. Micah 5:2: "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times." Bethlehem. A few miles away.

The Magi are appreciative. Perhaps even impressed. Herod is troubled. He allows no competition. You wonder how this will impact your career, your work in the court.

Did it ever cross your mind to leave the confines of the court and travel with the Magi those few miles to Bethlehem? Did it occur to you that if God was calling people from far away to a Messiah born on your doorstep, that there was an invitation to you as well?

I will never know if those thoughts ran through your mind. But I will learn from your example.

To be busy with things that the world sees as important can put a person in danger of missing the greatest invitation from God.

Slow down. Listen. Where is God's invitation to you today?