The Faith of the Magi

 

We three kings of Orient are; Bearing gifts we traverse afar,

Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star.

O star of wonder, star of light, Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.

https://hymnary.org/text/we_three_kings_of_orient_are

Most everyone has heard the story – Three wise Men come to the babe, following a star, to worship him. You may have ever heard their names, Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthasar. You see them in most manger scenes. So what do we really know?

1. The only mention of them in Scripture is Matthew 2.

2. The number of Magi is never mentioned. People just assume that since there were three gifts, there were three Magi. There may have been more, even up to twelve.

3. They did not visit the manger (sorry for those who like them in the manger scene). It says they came to the house where He was staying.

4. They were from the East, possibly Persia, but we can only guess.

5. They were Astronomers/Astrologers that watched the skies. They mentioned “His star”. They saw something unusual in the heavens or the constellations that caught their attention.

6. They know something of the Messiah. Matthew 2:2 “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? Why would they travel so far for just another king? They came to worship Him.

7. They were men of character. They saw through Herod’s plan and trusted the dream given them to not reveal anything to him.  

8. They brought gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of deity, and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death. (It is interesting to note that the gold would also be God’s provision for the journey to Egypt to flee from Herod.)

The constellations are very old.  Jewish tradition says that Enoch, the great-grandfather of Noah, was the one to lay them out as a story of the coming Redeemer. In the constellation Virgo, the virgin, there is a star named Comah, “The desired one”, that is part of a sheave of wheat. The Messiah was also called “the seed of the Virgin”. It is possible that some event, unusual brightness, a planet conjugation, or other things, could have drawn the attention of the Magi.  

The star associated with "the desired one" in the context of the constellation Virgo (Coma Berenices) is often identified as Coma (Comah), an ancient constellation within Virgo, representing the "Desire of all nations," linked to prophecies of a coming Messiah, the "Branch" or "Seed," sometimes named Ihesu (Jesus) in ancient texts, the infant held by the Virgin in traditional depictions. (AI Overview)

It must be noted that while the star the Magi saw that alerted them about about the birth of the Savior was probably an astronomical event, the star that lead them to Bethlehem seems to be more of a miraculous event. It led them and stayed over the house where they were staying.

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2: 9

The Magi, rich, and educated, travelled very far at their own expense to check out an event in the skies. If Enoch was the one who created the star map we call the constellations, then it makes sense that there would be knowledge of the coming Messiah. Not only did they come to see, but they worshipped him, men of honor  - men of faith.

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Matthew 2:11

 Further Reference: The Gospel in the Stars

 

Advent - The Faith of the Shepherds

 

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Shepherding in the fields by night, what could be better? I’m sure there is a large list of more exciting jobs. It gives counting sheep to fall asleep a new meaning. It was lonely, smelly, and dirty work. You won’t become the Temple Gazette’s “Person of the Year” doing that. But shepherds were the Steady Eddies of Jewish society. They worked hard, day after day. They were dependable and solid folk. So imagine keeping sheep outside of Bethlehem, minding your own business, and Poof! there appears an angel. And not just any angel, but one of the full on “glory shone around him” kind. I would be terrified too. They probably would never be called the smartest man in the room, yet they must have at least been educated about the Messiah. So the angel gives them the message of good news. At this point they were probably doubting their sanity. And then comes the big finish.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

 If they thought they were doubting before, I’m sure the angel choir help them to realize this wasn’t just a hallucination. When all was finished they were all in.

 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

They thought it was so important that they left the sheep (hey they were sleeping anyway) and searched for the Messiah. I doubt there was a sign outside. It may have taken them hours to find Him. Still they continued until they came to the manger. Once they had seen the Messiah with their own eyes, did they say, “Oh ya, we better go check on the sheep”.  No, they found it so important that they went throughout the city of Bethlehem telling everyone they met about who they found. I’m sure they went back to their sheep eventually, but the coming of the Messiah, the Savior, filled their thoughts. Did others come and see? We’re not really told. But the lowly shepherds know what was important. Are you excited about the Savior? Do you share His “Good News” with others? I hope so. Don’t let they shepherds be the only ones.

 

 

Advent - The Faith of Mary & Joseph

 

The angel comes to Mary. He tells her all that was about to happen, and she says, “No problem”. Joseph has a vision and bam, he’s on board also. It seems almost too easy, surreal. We read it and believe it because it’s in the scriptures. But have we really thought about it? Mary and Joseph had to use real faith to just jump right in and say “Ya, Let’s go!”.

One of the keys to understanding this whole thing is knowing the Prophecies. Mary and Joseph weren’t just simpletons who believed anything they were told. The birth of Christ happened in the right place, at the proper time to the correct people.

“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” Galatians 4:4-5

Mary and Joseph have spent their lives preparing. There is some debate, but most scholars think Mary would have been in her late teen years when the angel visited, close to 17-18. Every Jewish girl would know of Isaiah’s prophecy - "the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" Isaiah 7:14. Joseph may have been a little older, but there is nothing definite given in the Scriptures.

Mary’s reaction is interesting. She is troubled at his greeting and pushes back even more when he says “you will conceive and bear a son”. Scholars say that instead of reading it “How will this be since I am a virgin?”, it was more like “Oh no, I’m not that kind of girl”. Maybe the angle looked like a man at first. We don’t know what he had to do to convince her, but in the end she agreed saying, “May your word to me be fulfilled.” She immediately ran to see her relative, Elizabeth, who was going to have a baby in her old age. It was possibly the realization of this miracle helped the cement the veracity of the angel’s words once and for all.

Joseph, I’m sure, was confused, worried, and dismayed. He trusted Mary. He knew the prophecies. He decided to not bring Mary up for accusation but instead shelter her. It seems the angle only needed to speak to him in a dream to convince him of what he already knew.

Having a child out of wedlock was not a small thing. They were both taking a risk by doing what God wanted. Both are examples of great faith. Most times faith means stepping out where you cannot see.  I’m glad they did. I would hate to see how things would have turned out had they not obeyed.

Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:45

 

and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.

She wrapped him in cloths 

and placed him in a manger,

because there was no guest room 

available for them.

Luke 2:7

Advent: Faith in the Prophesies

 

Many years, the days before Christmas are so busy at school - parties, finals, projects, that I don’t really get to celebrate until we hit Christmas break. Admittedly, this is still my fault, so this year I decided to follow an Advent calendar and spend the Whole month of December remembering our Savior’s birth. It will be a series in the month of December.

The actual date of the birth of Christ will probably never be settled. Some say spring, some fall, others defend the current December 25 day. I have heard compelling arguments about each. Many Jewish rabbis and historians hold to the fall birth at the beginning of Rosh Hashanah. I find their argument very substantial. Adding to the discrepancies that our current Gregorian calendar has been tweaked and adjusted several times, we may never really know. I think what is most important that we remember it.

It does take some background information to appreciate. Without a knowledge of the prophecies about Christ the Messiah, nothing seems miraculous, and the actions of those involved may seem odd and/or out of place. There are many prophecies concerning the Messiah; I have only listed the few that will pertain to this series. And yes, AI was actually helpful this time.

Born of a Virgin: The prophet Isaiah declared that "the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). This was fulfilled when Mary, a virgin, conceived Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18, 23; Luke 1:31).

Born in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 states, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel". Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, fulfilling this specific geographic prediction (Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:4-7).

Descendant of David: God promised King David that a descendant from his line would establish an everlasting kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-13). The New Testament genealogies in Matthew and Luke trace Jesus' lineage directly to David, confirming His royal heritage (Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:32).

Called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace": Isaiah 9:6 provided these descriptive names for the child who would be born, highlighting His divine nature and the nature of His reign. This was echoed by the angels' announcement of peace on earth at His birth (Luke 2:14).

Flight to Egypt: The prophet Hosea wrote, "Out of Egypt I called my son" (Hosea 11:1). After His birth, Joseph was warned in a dream to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to escape King Herod's order to kill all young boys in Bethlehem, thus fulfilling this prophecy (Matthew 2:13-15).

A Messenger to Prepare the Way: Isaiah 40:3 prophesied, "A voice of one calling: 'In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God'". John the Baptist fulfilled this role, preaching repentance and preparing people's hearts for the coming of Jesus (Matthew 3:1-3).

Spend some time pondering these this week. I hope to add to their meaning in the weeks to come.

What If God Went On Vacation?

Whenever one of our school admins is out of the office either for vacation or some other kind of personal leave, they usually add an automated email message that tells you they are unavailable and gives a date for their return. It’s a way to know why your phone calls and emails are not getting answered. It’s pretty much standard in the business world. Vacations are nice and a good way to preserve your mental health. Remember the 17^th century proverb: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”?

Normally, there is always someone to fill in while you are gone. Unless it’s a small single owner run establishment, it would be a bad business model to have no one that can be there in a pinch.

Aren’t you glad God doesn’t take a vacation? He’s never “closed”; you never get a busy signal. I suppose He could put the universe on auto pilot. Still, not being able to pray for something or someone for a week or two. No Holy Spirit for guidance.  Satan and his minions are attacking? Hold on help is on the way – in a week. I really don’t like the sound of that.

No, there are no vacations to worry about. In fact we have His promise that He will always be there.

He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

 

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,

on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, Psalm 121:3-5

 

- The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. Proverbs 15:3

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17

 

This week we had a week off for Thanksgiving Break. It was nice to get away, but I’m not optimistic about how much they will remember on Monday. Traditionally, very little studying happens on break. It got me thinking. How many times do we go on vacation and kind of forget about God? Do we skip reading the scriptures and spending time in prayer? Do we skip church? It’s so easy to just kind of forget while we are away. Yet God is still there. He’s always there. He will always be there.

 

I’m glad that God is God and we are not. He can hold everything together and still care for everyone else. And I’m eternally grateful for that.

The sun does not withhold its light

The sea does not withhold the tide

You won't withhold Your love and I

I am thankful

 

The moon will not forget to rise

The stars will not forget to shine

You won't forget me, Lord, and I

I am thankful

 

For all You've done, I am thankful

For all You do, I am thankful

For who You are, I am thankful

For You, for You

Paul Baloche - I Am Thankful

 

Satan's 4 Ds

This year, Dan Park, the Executive Director of our school, has been doing a weekly devotional about spiritual warfare. Now, I am not saying that everything bad that happens to us is a direct attack of the servants of the underworld, but the Bible does say that we are in a battle that is not part of this physical world.

 

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12)

 

In one of our sessions, Dan explain 4 major ways that Satan tries to stop us, or at least make us ineffective. The following is my thoughts on his words.

 

Distraction

Distractions are all around us and each of us have our own personal set. It could be technology. Phones have become to be viewed as a basic necessity, yet much of our time spent on them seems to be mindless scrolling of pictures and trivial ideas. Television if not controlled can become nothing more than a mind-numbing pacifier for the stress of the day. Computers are a great tool to boost productivity, but they can also become a game-filled quicksand pit of wasted time. Even hobbies can become so obsessive that they keep us from the important things we need to do.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

 

Discouragement

Let’s face it. Life can be hard. It can feel like for every three steps you take forward, you slide back two. It is important that we keep good friends near us who can encourage us. Try not to dwell to heavily on the past. Learn from it, but don’t let it stop you from what you need to accomplish.

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

 

Deception

AI. Liberal reporting. Politicians. It is becoming harder and harder to find the truth. Falsehood can be shouted so loud, or so long that is can become believed. Guard against it. Know what the scriptures say and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. We have to know what we believe and confront falsehood when we come across it.

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16

 

 

Defilement

Defiled means to be Sullied, marred or Spoiled. One simple slipup can ruin a reputation. One laps of judgment can result in a lost friendship, job, or even bring legal consequences. Sin can defile us and cause us to draw away from God. We no longer are able to do the good works that God has intended for us to do. It is up to us to know our limitations and to set proper boundaries. Work tirelessly to remain pure so that you can be the hands and feet of Jesus for those that need Him.  

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

 

I hope this helps!

 

 

Activist or Activated?

Activist and activate. Two similar sounding words with very different meanings. The Oxford Dictionary defines activist as a person who campaigns to bring about political or social change. There are several types, but the most common are reformers, rebels, and so called change agents. Some use education, others may use confrontation, rebellion or even violence. Often, they can excuse their lawlessness because they feel “the ends justifies the means”. It has been my experience that when I see activists, whether singly or in a group, most of what gets done is either people standing around doing mostly nothing, disruption of the workforce, or just plain violence. Now to be sure, I support people’s right to freedom of speech and even an orderly protest, but that’s not usually the case. Closing freeways, burning buildings or otherwise damaging property really does little good. You can stand around and shout, complain and otherwise try to influence a group if you want, but as for me, I have better things to do.

To activate means to make active, functional, or ready to work. I can cry aloud and carry signs decrying the plight of the poor and the homeless. I can write to my “congress person”. (There, now wasn’t that nice and polite of me?) Honestly, lately none of them seem to be there to answer, but I digress… I prefer a hands on approach. Find someone or some group that is actively doing something about the problem you are concerned about. Join them. Drag someone (not literally) with you to help. Activate the Love of Christ inside you and be a change for good. Jesus would do it lawfully, and by the book, but most importantly, He would do it! Not talk about it, not picket, not get in the way. My wife and I have chosen to help the homeless and under resourced. We spend 3 to 4 evenings a week helping in a local ministry. We are not an army or mobilized hoard. Just two humans actively working together. And it makes a difference – one life at a time. I won’t hush the activist. They have their place. But I have work to do. So, wanna come with me? Who knows what we can accomplish in the end…

 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32 NIV