Jealousy. Apathy. Pursuit.

There are all types of people in the “Christmas Story”, but this Christmas I have been reminded of these three particular types.

Jealous

The Bible tells us in Matthew 2:3 that King Herod was “disturbed” when he heard about the birth of Jesus (this “king of the Jews”).  Granted it didn’t take much to disturb this king.  He had his son, wife and mother-in-law killed.  King Herod was generally not a nice guy.  He was pretty paranoid, angry and jealous with Jesus being on the scene.

Apathetic

The chief priests mentioned in Matthew 2:4-6 were the “church people”.  .   Guys that are very involved in church – like many of us.  Their response SCREAMS in silence.  They apparently knew about the Messiah (Jesus) from the prophecies etc. in the Old Testament.  But they don’t seem to do anything about it.  The Bible doesn’t tell us that they left anything to pursue Jesus.  Their apparent non-action screams apathy.

Persistent

We read about the shepherds in Luke 2:15.  Once they heard from the angels (and got their wits about them again), they made a beeline for Bethlehem to “see this thing that has happened”!

The magi are mentioned in Matthew 2:1-2.  These guys were smart and probably well off financially.  They embarked on what some think was a two year trip to pursue Jesus.  More than likely, it was probably a pretty dangerous trip as well.  But they had a desire to see “the one who has been born king of the Jews.”

So I have considered – whom I am most similar to?  Am I like King Herod?  Jealous of some One who takes first place in my life?  Am I like the chief priests?  Too busy with life, including “church stuff” to care about Jesus.  Or, am I like the shepherds and magi?  Am I in persistent pursuit of the Messiah?

Honestly, there’s probably of bit of me in all three.   I hate to admit that.  Just being honest.  As I considered this, I was reminded of Psalm 63:1, not necessarily known as a Christmas passage:  “You, God are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you in a dry and parched land where there is no water.”

This Christmas – this year – I want to be more like the shepherds and more like the magi.

What about you?