Have you ever been on a hunt for something significant — a crucial answer, a better job, a trade, a spouse, a breakthrough, a new discovery, hidden treasure, a championship?

Embedded early in the post-Christmas narrative is the scene of visiting Magi dropping in on Bethlehem. They were a squad of three distinguished, Eastern wise men on a westbound road trip, looking for an epic new king to honor.

Their mission was costly, consuming, suspenseful, significant. In the end they found what they were looking for and experienced great fulfillment. They found Jesus.

In examining the specific moves these wise men made, we may discover some wisdom wins too. Here is the breakdown:

WISE MEN SEEK. They live in search mode, not allowing themselves to think they have already arrived. They don’t settle for comfort or easy answers.

They seek the best and don’t stop until they find “it.” And they seek to notice way more than to be noticed … it’s not about me (Matthew 2:1,2,9-12).

WISE MEN QUESTION. They don’t just come with answers; they search for them. They live in a humility that breeds beautiful inquiry and lets their curiosity loose.

Their questions don’t halt them; they drive them to ask until they find answers (Matthew 2:2).

WISE MEN ACT. Their questions set them in motion. They reject passivity. They make moves, believing that in seeking they will find. Sitting and waiting will not always do (Matthew 2:1,9,11,12).

WISE MEN SEE. They see beyond. They train their eyes to see farther than others. They see consequences early on. They see into the future.

They see greatness and good, royalty and redemption. They see trouble coming too (Matthew 2:2,7-12).

WISE MEN FIND. They believe seeking has its reward, just like God says. They persist by faith until what’s sought is found (Matthew 2:11).

WISE MEN WORSHIP. They are committed to worship. And it’s way more than just themselves. Their end game is to worship God. And this worship is extravagant (Matthew 2:2,11).

WISE MEN GIVE. They come prepared to contribute. They want to be known as givers more than takers. They come to gift and serve generously (Matthew 2:11).

WISE MEN ADJUST. They reroute. They sense trouble, traps coming, and steer clear. They bring their wisdom to bear when danger calls (Matthew 2:12).

WISE MEN PRESS ON. They know life has chapters and seasons. They don’t get stuck in the past. They stride forward with gratefulness, confidence, and hope. They apply what they learn (Matthew 2:12).

Like the Magi, let’s love making these nine wise moves too!

Reflect: How are you like/unlike the wise men? Where might passivity be holding you back? Have you discovered and experienced Jesus lately? If so, where/how? If not, why not?

A prayer to consider: LORD Jesus, wise men still seek You. May I be one. Help me question, act, see, find, worship, give, adjust, and press on just like the wise men. Amen.