When the Wise Men Said, “What Next?”

Despite the Bible’s scanty details about the Wise Men, their story is extraordinary. They found some Hebrew holy writings and interpreted them to mean exactly what God said. They believed something completely counter to their culture and religion. They risked their reputations and more to find Jesus. God’s glory in the form of a star started their journey—and reappeared during the last few miles of the trek to guide the Wise Men to Jesus and His family. They worshipped the child-king, God Incarnate. Then dodged powerful enemies they’d made along the way. Details about the Wise Men end when an angel warns them in a dream to return home by a different route.

What next?

I’m sure the Wise Men asked themselves the same thing.

They betrayed Herod by not returning with news of where they’d found Jesus, so heading home “by a different route” (Matthew 2:12) was exceptionally problematic. They couldn’t retrace their steps north; that would have required traveling on Roman roads. Soldiers patrolled most Roman roads, and Herod would have sent word for those troops to intercept the Wise Men. If they headed south, they’d hit the Red Sea, and sailing during that time of year was dangerous. To the west was wilderness; to the east was desert.

If only the angel had offered details for going that “different route.”

Can you imagine what the Wise Men must have felt? In twenty-four hours, those men who were one step below royalty went from a mountaintop experience of finding Jesus to becoming renegades.

What next?

Did they shelve the experience and go back to their duties as priest-scholars? Did they mull over what they had seen and learned, trying to decide whether it was worth the risk and cost to believe in Jesus? Or did the experience change them forever?

In truth, their question is also yours and mine. How do we respond to an encounter with Jesus?

Because He does ask us to “go a different route.” With Him.

I’d like to say I always respond with “yes Jesus, I’ll wholeheartedly do what You say.” I wish I could say I never have reservations or questions about what God leads me to. But that’s not the case.

Sometimes the path seems too hard.
When I use that excuse, I need to lean in to His promises:

• “He [God] alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 62:6)
• “And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way. Walk in it.’” (Isaiah 30:21)

Sometimes the direction seems too risky.
When I use that excuse, I need to lean into His promises:

• “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)
• “No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5)

Sometimes the future seems too uncertain.
When I use that excuse, I need to lean into His promises:

• “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
• “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

I’m sure you see the pattern.

The Wise Men didn’t have access to all the Scriptures we do, but they knew enough to believe—and risk everything because of Jesus. So should we.

The new year is full of good intentions, but most resolutions are soon broken. Let’s resolve to be all in with Jesus on the “different route” He calls us to. In tune with His heart. Leaning into Him. Trusting Him completely. He’s already given us the ultimate gift of Himself. Let’s walk with Him—without reservation!