The Bible speak of many wise men and women who sought after the Lord. Men such as Enoch (Gen 5:22), whom the Lord took; Noah (Gen 6:8, 22), who found grace in the eyes of God; and David (Psalm 23:1), who followed the Lord as a sheep following its shepherd. Also women such as Ruth (Ruth 1:16), who left behind her pagan roots to follow the Lord, and Anna (Lk 2:36-37), who devoted herself to the service of God in the temple. There are men such as Nicodemus (Jn 3:1-2), who though not yet of full faith in the Lord, acknowledged His goodness and sought to know more of Him. And of course, there are the wise men who came from the East to see the King of Israel after His birth.

If you and I will be wise men and women today, then we must still seek after the Lord. Let us consider a few qualities displayed specifically by the wise men who came from the East which we ought to have also.

Wise Men Still Come (1-10)
They set out on a lengthy journey, following the star from the East. Upon arriving in Judah, they went to Bethlehem, according to the words of the prophet Micah. Then, seeing the star again, they turned northward, and came to where he was, in Nazareth of Galilee. These wise men were willing to follow wherever necessary in order to see the Lord. Are we willing to make such a sacrifice? Will we look unto the "bright and morning star" and follow after Him? Do we trust God's word as they, that we will alter our course when necessary?

Wise Men Still Worship (2, 11)
When they departed their land in the East, the purpose of their trip was to come and worship "...He who has been born King of the Jews..." Some folks today think it an awful thing if they have to travel a bit to attend worship services -- for these men, it was a journey from a far country, not just a walk around the corner. We are not sure what exactly they knew about Jesus, but they did know that it was a worthwhile trek to come and worship this one who was born.

Coming in His presence, they prostrated themselves, and gave gifts before Him. Friends, will we be like they, coming before the Lord with the express purpose to worship? Do we know who the Lord is, and why He is worthy of worship? Are we willing to make whatever sacrifice is necessary in order to worship the Lord?

Wise Men Still Give (11)
The magi presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense and myrrh. It was not comely in those days to approach one of distinguished rank without bearing gifts. Though He was but a child, He was a king, and so they honoured Him with these valuable gifts from their respective countries. We are called to bring gifts to the Lord also. Paul says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." (Ro 12:1). We need to present our most valued possession as a gift to Him also, our very lives.

Wise Men Still Listen (12)
Recall, Herod had told these travellers to return to him, that he may know where the child was. However, being divinely warned, they returned home in another direction. All their effort in making the journey, worshipping before Him, and bearing gifts to Him would have been for naught, had they not heeded the voice of the Lord when they departed from His presence. It is wonderful for us to have made the effort to assemble with God's people for worship. It is great that we are attentive in worship and seeking to please God there. It is appropriate that we present ourselves before the Lord for His use. However, when we depart from the assembly, if we fail to heed the divine instruction on our way, all the rest is for naught. Serving the Lord is not just about when we have gathered for worship, it is a daily duty - we must conduct ourselves according to His direction, both in the assembly and outside.

Friends, let us be wise men and women -- let us seek after the Lord. Come to Him, worship Him, give yourself to Him, and hear His voice.