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.” 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. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

It is interesting to see the reactions of people when an event happens that changes things for them. It may require a new perspective. They may have to rebuild or recover. Or, maybe they suffered a great loss of someone dear, a career, or their home.

I think of the recent wildfires at the beginning of the year, and how some people suffered a total loss of their homes. Listening to the different reactions covered by the news, people have many different responses to these events that change their lives. Some commented on the sheer devastation of it all, wondering how they could go on after losing a home. Others mentioned how blessed they were to be alive and that no one was hurt.

As I look at the different responses by Herod and the Magi to the birth of Jesus, there is also a stark contrast. Herod, out of fear, felt threatened and acted initially out of “curiosity”. We will find the root of this curiosity was not love or honor, but jealousy and a vindictive nature.

Conversely, the Magi, out of honor and reverence, acted in faith and exhibited joy. These men had struggles or challenges laid ahead of them. They had to travel an immense distance. They brought gifts or sacrifices of which they received nothing in return. And they had to trust that God had a plan to guide them to the baby.

How we respond to events that challenge who we are, how we make our money, and what our future hold can define us. In order to respond in a godly manner, we have to deal with the fear that causes us to respond with our own interests in mind first. When we allow God’s Spirit to come into our hearts, he can clean out selfish interests and evil schemes that rule there. And he can make us new, in order to have a heart that’s pure and can experience joy in change and challenge.

Lord, thank you for this comparison between the Magi and Herod. It is a good lesson for me on focusing on your truth and your promises instead of the fears I can experience in this world. May joy rule the day!