Highly Perceptive & Boldly Responsive - Pastor Dave
Highly Perceptive and Boldly Responsive - A Reflection on the Magi and the God Who Still Reveals Himself
Pastor Dave Hess
When we think of the Christmas story, we often picture the Magi—robed, regal figures crossing the desert. But the truth is even more compelling. These weren’t kings at all. They were seekers, observers, spiritually hungry men who traveled hundreds of miles because they became aware that something in the heavens was shifting. They were highly perceptive and boldly responsive, and their journey has much to teach us today.
A Prophetic Trail Centuries Long
The Magi came from a region rich with prophetic history. Their story doesn’t begin in Matthew—it goes all the way back 1400 years to a man named Balaam. Though Balaam belonged to a community of sorcerers, he recognized the authority of Israel’s God. In trying (and failing) to curse Israel, he instead prophesied about a Star—a divine figure carrying authority, rising from Jacob.
Eight centuries later, Daniel was taken captive to Babylon and placed in leadership over the “wise men”—the Magi. Daniel’s prophetic clarity shaped generations. He interpreted dreams no one else could, describing kingdoms that would rise and fall until a final Kingdom—the one established by a “Stone not made with human hands,” one that would fill the whole earth.
The Magi of Jesus’ day were carrying these prophecies. So when a new star appeared, they recognized it. They were ready.
Perception That Leads to Action
These men traveled roughly 700 miles—through a hostile Roman empire—to find the One whose arrival shifted the atmosphere. Herod was threatened. The nation was stirred with fear. But the Magi pressed on.
And when they found Jesus—not an infant, but a young child—they erupted with overwhelming joy. Matthew describes it as “violent, vehement, overpowering joy.” They didn’t merely feel it—they expressed it.
They offered gifts that revealed what they perceived:
Gold for a King
Frankincense for a High Priest
Myrrh for a sacrificial Lamb
Their perception shaped their worship.
What Their Journey Reveals to Us
From this remarkable moment, we draw three powerful truths:
1. God wants to be found.
The Magi didn’t stumble into revelation—God led them to it.
“I will be found by you,” declares the Lord. — Jeremiah 29:14
God speaks in ways that meet us where we are:
Shepherds in a field.
Joseph in a dream.
Thomas through the scars.
Magi through the stars.
He still meets people this way today.
2. God awakens our senses.
Job tells us that God speaks “now one way, now another,” often without us perceiving it. He awakens our spiritual senses through dreams, visions, impressions, Scripture, and circumstances.
Stories continue to emerge—even today—of people encountering Jesus through supernatural dreams, including many in places where the gospel is restricted.
He is always speaking. The question is: Are we paying attention?
3. God inspires bold responses.
The Magi didn’t simply perceive—they acted. Boldly.
“Since we have such hope, we are very bold.” — 2 Corinthians 3:12
Throughout history, every move of God has included this same boldness. The Welsh Revival of 1904 began with four simple, courageous responses:
Turning from sin
Restoring broken relationships
Immediate obedience to the Holy Spirit
Publicly declaring Jesus
Boldness is the natural overflow of encountering His perfect love.
Following the Magi’s Lead
The Magi weren’t kings. They weren’t Israelites. They weren’t even fully certain of what they would find.
But they were open. Perceptive. Responsive.
They saw the signs.
They recognized the moment.
They acted with courage.
They worshiped with abandon.
May we become people who live the same way—highly perceptive to His presence and boldly responsive to His leading.
Because God still speaks.
He still guides.
He still wants to be found.
And those who seek Him with a ready, responsive heart will always discover joy beyond measure.
