“Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” (Matthew 2:7-8)
Anything done in secret does not manifest light but darkness. When King Herod "secretly" called the wise men it was because it was done by a deceptive spirit. He had no intention of worshiping King Jesus but rather drawn away by his own selfish desires and threatened by this King, he sought to act out and destroy this threat, put to death the Light of the world.
King Herod tried to manipulate those around him and involve others in his plot of deception. This is exactly how the enemy works. He deceives, manipulates and ultimately divides. The wise men were guided by the Spirit of Truth, they did not want to take part in King Herod's plot...Instead in reverent worship they bowed down to the King of kings, they fell at His feet and worshiped Him alone! It is described that they did not return word to king Herod but rather they went on their own another way...
Lord, let us be "wise men" and give us eyes to see the plots and deception of the enemy and bow down to One King! Let us not take part in his schemes, rather fall down in reverence and worship You alone!
