I love the portion of the story we read today as it shows the Omnipresence of God throughout the world. The visiting magi- priests, scribes, experts from Persia, knew of the birth of a king. They were probably familiar with the Old Testament, as God had the Jews exiled to Babylon hundreds of years before and when they returned not all of the Jews returned to Jerusalem. Wisemen like Daniel, Ezra and Nehemiah had a profound impact on their culture. Now wise men arrive in Jerusalem after about an 800 mile journey from Babylon which would have taken months.

Matthew 2:1-8 “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, ² saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” ³ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; ⁴ and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ⁵ They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

⁶ “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

⁷ Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. ⁸ And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”

These wise men undoubtedly knew of King Herod’s reputation and knew he could be very cruel and brutal. I am sure they were cautious after King Herod told them in secret to find out where the child was so he could worship him too. God was present in this entire journey and each interaction. Being Omnipresent God is present everywhere. There is no where one can go either physically or spiritually that God cannot be. God is with his children no matter where they are. Thankfully, Satan can only be in one place at a time but God is present everywhere at all times. God was with the wise men as they searched for the star and the truths behind it. He was with them on the journey and brought them to the right place at the right time. God was with them in spirit too as he gave them discernment so they were not deceived by Herod.

When I consider God’s omnipresence, I am comforted. One of my favorite verses in Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” We are assured that God is with us continually. Hagar met God in the wilderness after she had run away. Genesis 16:14 “She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” God sees us wherever we are and in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. David was aware of God’s presence and acknowledged his omnipresence in his life. Psalm 139: 3 “You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.” Verses 7-10 “Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence? ⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. ⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea, ¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.” I love David’s conclusion- God will hold me fast as He knows where I am and what I need.

Do you trust the omnipresence of God in your life? Do you think there are times God has forgotten you or is not aware of your circumstances? If so, reread Psalm 139 and catch the fervor of David’s conviction that God is with us and aware of us at all times. Claim Deuteronomy 31:6 over your life and stand on its truth.

Linda