This chapter brought up some points that I had never considered before! There were a few fascinating items that caused me to pause and stew over.
I always kind of wondered how the magi could have such faith being so far removed from the nation of Israel. Again we see God guiding the events of his-story for his purposes - orchestrating them as the Master Conductor! Those years of captivity had brought previously unseen blessings. There were those that had listened to the prophecies of the Israelites. There were those that had not forgotten. There was the magi!
Their faith was sure and doubtless. They knew what they were looking for. The author notes the way they - phrased their inquiry. Not, "Have there been, perchance, rumours of a possible new king in town?" But an assured, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." (69)
News of the foreign travelers and their purpose must have spread like wildfire throughout Jerusalem! Surely, this was a topic discussed over the water-coolers and among the gossips. These were a people who should have known - they grew up with knowledge of these prophecies. All their festivals and temple rituals looked toward this fulfillment that was promised. What was wrong with these people?!! Notice that not a single priest or teacher from the temple bothered to follow the Magi or the star. ... not one resident of the city joined them to seek out the Messiah. (69)
I envy the faith of these kindred Gentiles. They were wise enough to see beyond what met their eyes. (70) This is a true, godly wisdom that I pray for ... to see with eyes of faith! These foreigners made a crazy, long journey through what must have been harsh terrain. It was clear by their stop in Jerusalem that they were the only ones who seemed to be on the ball with this one. And the little, poor family that they ended up in front of never kept them from being on their knees in worship and adoration. Here was the first evidence that her child was "a light for revelation to the Gentiles." (70)
Mothering Like Mary
What a treasure trove of ideas to encourage our kids to say thank you with their time, talents and treasures! I would include the LWMS kids c.a.r.e. program that informs children through a presentation done in their Sunday school or day school program of special mission projects for kids. Kids helping kids! There's tools and resources, ideas and help for bringing this information to them.
Ponder
Evaluate: God doesn't need our time, talents, or treasures, but we need to give them. Yes, God can get along just fine without us doing anything. But that's not the point of giving of ourselves. Giving is a reaction to the living faith inside of us! When we are aware of our sins and desperate need for a Saviour, our hearts praise God to know that he has set us free from sin by his perfect life, death and resurrection in Jesus! In turn, we can't help but express our thankfulness and yes, we need to give of ourselves. We're able to do that through the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of us!
3 comments:
I was particularly impressed with the faith of the Magi, just as Rachel mentioned having new insight into their story. When I tried to come up with one part of their story that best showed the depth of their faith, I think it was then it impressed me that although each part of their story shows great faith, it is the assembled picture of all the parts of their story that really shows the depth. It's one of those synergy things - the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Rachel, your response to the comment about who needs us to give our time, talents, and treasures was so well-written! My sentiments exactly!
I simply loved this whole chapter. I thought the authors insights and shared knowledge were great. Thank you, Sarah. Amazed at the lack of interest by the Jewish church leaders to want to seek out the words and question of the wise men. So often I have not searched as I should, either, His Word for answers that can only be found there.
I simply loved this whole chapter. I thought the authors insights and shared knowledge were great. Thank you, Sarah. Amazed at the lack of interest by the Jewish church leaders to want to seek out the words and question of the wise men. So often I have not searched as I should, either, His Word for answers that can only be found there.
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