Another Way Home

“They entered…where the child was…and they fell down before him and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave…But when it was time to leave, they went home another way…” Matthew 2:11-12

Everyone loves the story of the birth of Christ. It is probably one of the most well known and well loved stories throughout history. In this passage the focus is on the wise men as they traveled by way of the Bethlehem star to find the Lamb who was sent to save mankind. They were visited by God in a dream who warned them that after they found Jesus they should go home another way…a way that didn’t involve Herod who wanted information about the baby for malicious intent.

Every one of us has our own testimony of the birth of Christ in our own lives. Whether we were born into a God-centered family or God was received later in life, we all possess within our hearts a birth story. Each story is personal and unique as we pursued a Savior who could transform our lives. Each story tells of the treasures of our hearts that we surrendered to Christ. Each story testifies how we fell down before Him, worshipping Him and opening our hearts to Him.

Once the wise men encountered Christ their focus was returning home. But they knew they couldn’t return the way they had come. As Christians, once we have visited the King, surrendered our hearts and have chosen to worship Him we cannot return to our present lifestyles. We must be homeward bound with Heaven as our destination. Once we have stood before the Messiah and proclaimed Him as our Savior we must forge a new path…a path that was cut for our individual journey with God.

When we find Jesus we will never be satisfied experiencing life ‘the way we came.’