Higher Obedience

As Christmas approached, we would all get excited. Dad would pull out an old box and carefully take out the little clay figures which we would unwrap. Then we would recreate the scene of the Nativity for our friends and neighbours. Strangely, even though the wise men came much later historically, the manger is not complete without them. And neither is the Christmas narrative!

The Wise men reached Jerusalem and then seemed to get lost, their search led them to king Herod. On hearing about their quest to find the Messiah, Herod slyly inquired of the child’s whereabouts and asked that they report back about His location. However, the wise men depended on God’s direction rather than their own wisdom, and so instead of going back to the King they returned to their homes using a different route. Enraged, Herod ordered the killing of all the infants under the age of two—fulfilling prophesy. The wise men, because of their obedience to God, came to no harm.

Throughout our history, people have had to make difficult decisions that, in some cases, cost them their lives. In the case of the wise men, they simply did not show up when ordered to, by Herod. We too may at times need to obey God rather than man (ACTS 5:29). In our schools, workplaces or communities we may need to make wise choices like those wise men did—to serve God and obey Him in everything.

What does it mean to obey and honour God? How can we stand up for God and honour Him in our everyday life?

God, may I have the courage to obey and honour you and make your Son known to others.