DAILY READINGS IN LIFE OF CHRIST- J.R. Miller (1890)

February 2. The King of Kings

"Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." Matthew 2:2

Surely it was strange, that the Jews did not know of the birth of their own King. Usually when kings are born, the whole realm rings with joy. But when the Messiah was born, there was no rejoicing on earth. A few humble shepherds came to look with wonder on the newborn babe which lay in the young mother's arms — but that was all. The Jews had been looking for their Messiah — but did not recognize Him when He came!

For one thing, we learn how quiet His advent was. There was no blare of trumpets. Noise and show are not necessary accompaniments of power. The mightiest forces in this world, are ofttimes the quietest. The grace of God always comes quietly. Angels minister noiselessly and unseen. The most useful Christians, are not those who make the most ado in their work — but those who, in humility, unconscious of any splendor shining in their faces — go daily about their work for Christ. "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets — to be honored by men. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6.

Another thought here, is that we do not always know when Christ comes to us. "He was in the world, and the world was made by Him — and the world did not know Him." 

Yet why should we complain so of the Jews? Are we any better? Our King is in our midst — do we recognize Him? Do we worship and honor Him? These wise men had only a dim star to guide them; yet they followed it with loving trust and unfaltering step — and it led them to the feet of the "King of glory!"

It shows us that even the faintest glimmerings of light should be welcomed, and their guidance accepted. We should not wait to know all about Christ, and see Him in all His glory — before we set out to seek Him. We should follow the first faint gleams, and as we go on — the light will brighten, until we see Him in all His blessed beauty, "face to face!"