The First Star Trek

Is it safe to say the Wise Men embarked on the very first Star Trek?

Their story is filled with political intrigue. Religious complacency. Mass murder. Dreams and angelic visitations. The story is found in Matthew 2:1-12.

We don't have all the small details, but we can assume that when the Wise Men show up in Jerusalem, they arrive in a caravan big enough to cause a disturbance to the tentative peace that the people of Israel have with their current king, Herod. The people have learned in the past that if Herod ain't happy, nobody's happy. He has attained his throne through bloodshed and is not reluctant to kill off rivals, even family members.

The Wise Men's arrival troubles Herod and all Jerusalem with him. (v. 3)

Concerned about the circulating rumors, Herod calls the religious leaders into his presence and asks them where this king might be born. They know the answer. "In Bethlehem of Judea," they tell Herod, repeating words recorded by the prophet Micah (Micah 5:2).

Herod tricks the Wise Men into thinking he is interested in worshiping the child and they make promises to return to Herod once they find out more.

Then things really get tumultuous.

The Wise Men find Jesus and his parents. They bring gifts and worship him. God warns the Wise Men in a dream not to go back to Herod so they go home another way. An angel warns Joseph in a dream of Herod's intent, so the family flees to Egypt. Herod realizes he has been tricked, flies into a rage and kills all the baby boys two years and younger in Bethlehem and in the surrounding region.

Like I said, a story filled with political intrigue. Religious complacency. Mass murder. Dreams and angelic visitations.

Where do I find myself in the pages?

I would like to think I am a diligent seeker like the Wise Men, that in the presence of Jesus, I fall down and worship him. But I know me. I have a fondness for controlling my own little kingdom. Like Herod, I become troubled when I sense there is a greater king who requires I get off the throne. And I find myself in the actions of the religious leaders. Too often I am content to find Jesus in past words and traditions, unwilling to look farther, unwilling to embark on my own personal quest.

My own Star Trek.

Ultimately, what do I do with the question, "Where is he who has been born King of the Jews?"