The Magi (three wise men) were not Leaders but people well known in older times as capable of interpreting dreams and foreseeing the future by looking at the stars. When the true leader (Jesus) was born, a star appeared as a message from heaven to tell the world that something remarkable just happened and so the Magi went in search of it. The Magi’s visit really represents the yearning of humanity for a brighter future, and Jesus Christ is that light that shines in the dark, illuminating all people towards a better future. Isaiah prophesied to Jerusalem that, ” see, darkness covers the earth and thick cloud covers the people, but upon you, the Lord shines and over you appears his glory” (Is. 60:2). When Isaiah’s prophesy was finally fulfilled, the Magi came to pay homage to the new born leader (Mt 2:1-12).
The Magi represents people of the whole world who let themselves to be guided by the message of peace and love. They fell on their knees in worship of the newborn king and they did not pretend about it. We need, first and foremost, to learn to understand and reverence Jesus in our lives before we can truly recognize and acknowledge the position of those who would lead us in the society. Epiphany reminds us that Jesus is indeed the ultimate leader and we all need his light to forge ahead. Those in positions of leadership sometimes forget their utter dependence on God. Whenever a true leader emerges in a society, it is a re-enactment of the leadership of Jesus, and It ought to be characterized by humility and the presence of peace and harmony. Jesus came as a universal king and so Christian leaders must seek to be all-inclusive in their leadership.
It is not unusual to see people’s seeking attention at the emergence of a new leader. The hope is that any affiliation with the leadership, would bring them good tidings. Like the Magi, however, when we flock to Leaders and present gifts, it should not be a mere physical exercise. Instead, our gifts should show our renewed and re-energised desire to collaborate with the new leadership to bring light to the world. If we visit a leader to tell tales, malign others and incubate factions, we are only stifling the process for such a leader. True leaders should be intelligent enough to perceive this.
If our purpose of aligning with a leader is sycophantic and purely partisan, then that purpose is already defeated. Most Leaders have failed because their close associates advised them wrongly; seeking for selfish ends rather than the common good.
Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Peter Obele Abue PhD, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.