Devotion for Monday, January 29, 2024

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him” (Matthew 2:1).

In the mystery of how all things work, there were the watchers of stars who saw the signs, by all reckoning, they seemed to know what Scriptures said and came looking for the newborn king.  They came right to the paranoid king, Herod.  The world has never been able to receive the truth that we are not our own person, but were created by the Lord for His purpose.  A grand mystery with a simple message: will you follow the Lord?

Lord, I ponder over the greater things and I forget how simple it all is.  You have come to reconcile me to You.  You have come to slay the old Adam and replace it with a new life.  Lead me Lord to see the simplicity of the life of faith that You offer.  Strangers from a strange land understood, for they came to worship You.  Help me to understand so that I may come too and worship You.

Holy Trinity, You alone are to be praised and worshiped.  This world has many who scoff, run in fear, or try to distract from the truth of reality.  You alone are worthy of all of my honor and praise.  Lead me in worship and praise so that my life is one which worships You, who alone is worthy.  Shut my ears to Herod.  Open my ears to Your word.  In all things, lead me in true faith to learn how to be faithful.  Amen.