January 4, 2010
Matthew 2
Pastor JoAn Blackmon
I have to say that the Wise Men were pretty impressive.
They…
…understood the significance of the star signaling the Savior’s birth
…made plans for a home visit
…prepared stunningly appropriate gifts that would not only fund the young family’s safety during their travels, but symbolize perfectly the mission of this child who was born King, High Priest, and Lamb of God
These were guys who stopped and asked for directions! They expressed great emotion without apology, quick to drop to their knees and worship God openly. Yes, these were very wise men.
I hope that you will take a lesson from their example. Make a decision in 2010 to look up! Live discerning, thoughtful, intentional lives. Go where you find God. Present your gifts to Him. If you aren’t sure that you’re going in the right direction, stop and ask the King. Every day, rejoice in the good news of Jesus Christ! Kneel (bend your will) before Him and worship Jesus with all that is in you.
Today, all these years later, those are still the habits of the wise, and the marks of those rich in understanding.
JoAn Blackmon manages equipping and discipleship teams, oversees “Women of Grace” (women’s ministries) and serves on the weekend and midweek teaching teams.
You are a great pastor and speaker. I get excited when you teach a sermon. It shows that you love God and His people. Thank you for loving on my family over the past ten years we attended and served at Grace. Nice devo.
ReplyDelete. Mike mcdonnell .
I am curious. I had always envisioned the Magi visiting Baby Jesus on the night of his birth. Upon reading Matthew 2 several times, is it possible that the Magi were actually visiting a toddler Jesus? What is the assumed time span between seeing the star, following the star and the Magi arriving at Jesus? Herod's decision to remove all males aged 2 and under is what caught my attention.
ReplyDeleteStephanie H. Jackson
Mooresville, NC
Stephanie--
ReplyDeleteYou are right! It was probably about 2 years later, actually. The family (Joseph, Mary and Jesus) were evidently living in a house in Bethlehem when the Magi arrived.
These men were Gentiles. We don’t know how many there were –only that they brought three types of gifts. But it seems their caravan was big enough to trouble the whole city. The star led them first to Jerusalem and they were then instructed to go to Bethlehem. The star didn’t seem to be constantly evident. And the very sad thing is that the Jewish priests—the ones who told them what the Word of God said about this coming Messiah—weren’t even curious enough to travel the 5 miles from Jerusalem to Bethlehem to see if this could be God in the flesh.
Again, those who seek will find. And those who don’t seek after God will miss the greatest, most life-transforming event in their own life’s story.
Blessings!
Pastor JoAn
Thanks Pastor Joan! I will am using the "anonymous" signature because I do not know my URL. Thanks for your response. What a change of perspective. Thanks, thanks, and thanks. -Stephanie
ReplyDelete