No trips on donkeys. No angels singing. Not even a baby in a manger. Yet, there are still 25 gifts God wants to give you for Christmas. And they are found in a little six chapter book half way through the New Testament.
Rich Ronald uncovers The Greatest Gifts as they are revealed in Ephesians. 25 Days. 25 encouraging Gifts. 25 devotional messages, along with a prayer and a place to write your own prayers, comments and thoughts each day.
Along the way you’ll find the gift of love, the free gift of salvation, the gift of unity and many more. Prepare your heart in a special way this Christmas season by receiving, and giving, God’s greatest gifts.
The secret to success? Meditate. Study. Read. The Word of God.
When I was in high school, a speaker at a conference I attended asked, “Do you want to be successful? I know the secret to guarantee your success!”
Like many teens at that stage of life I had one foot that was finishing 12 years of education and my second foot in the “almost-an-adult” world of college. I had plans. I had dreams. I had a career picked out and I couldn’t wait to get there. So of course, the speaker’s question piqued my interest.
He then began to unveil this great mystery by reading a passage of Joshua, from the Bible. The words of the LORD to the new, young captain of the army of God.
“No one will be able to defeat you all your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forget you. Joshua, be strong and brave! You must lead these people so they can take the land that I promised their fathers I would give them. Be strong and brave. Be sure to obey all the teachings my servant Moses gave you. If you follow them exactly, you will be successful in everything you do.Always remember what is written in the Book of the Teachings. Study it day and night to be sure to obey everything that is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything.” Joshua 1:5-8 (NCV)
Remember. Follow. Study. Obey. If you follow, if you do this, you will be successful.
What a great promise from God!
Another version says to “meditate” on God’s word. It can mean to pour yourself into it night and day. Listen to the wisdom in the Bible. And then, follow it. This week our pastor told us the Greek word for meditate is “logizomai.” The root of the English word “logic.” He suggested that when we meditate on God’s word, we are thinking clearly, logically, about what it means to us. And it’s the stongest way to fend off anxiety.
Whenever I have found myself in seasons of challenge, times of confusion or wonder, I go back to the Bible to study and hear first-hand what God’s instructions are. I’m a verbal processor, so not only do I read it and think about it, I will often read it out loud to myself so that I can fully grasp it. I may even write the words down in a journal or write out what I perceive God wants me to know about Him through those words. Then, with the Holy Spirit as my guide and the One who gives boldness and courage, I do my best to follow. And God has granted success every time!
Have there been times of trial? Absolutely. For example, I’ve had 22 jobs in the last 34 years. But God has been faithful to me through it all. Why? By His grace I believe it’s because I have done my best to be a student of His word. To read it. To learn it. To teach it. To model it. To meditate on it day and night. I’m so thankful for His promises and the truth that is revealed on page after page of the Text.
It brings comfort. It brings wisdom. It brings understanding.
Have I lived a “successful” life? In the world’s eyes, probably not. My bank account is not overflowing. I don’t live in luxury.
But in God’s eyes? The eyes that matter most to me? Yes, absolutely. I am successful because I am walking every day under His umbrella of true grace, true forgiveness and true joy!
And that’s a secret He calls me, and all of us, to share with the world.
I have never really been much of an athlete. I never hit a home run in little league. I never caught a touchdown pass in high school. And yet, here I am in my mid 50’s and by God’s grace and strength, I recently ran my second marathon, 26.2 miles. Running has become my “empty nest” hobby.
The Apostle Paul talks a lot about running races in the New Testament. He notes the value of physical training but says that spiritual training is more important as it prepares us for the life we live in the full presence of Jesus for all eternity.
There are so many different stories to tell and analogies from my experience in running this recent race that parallel life.
Two are quick to come to mind.
The first is this: Nobody gets up and decides they are going to run a marathon today and does it. It takes time. It takes training. It takes discipline. There were many weeks during the winter when I had to get out there and run 20+ miles on a Saturday morning. And this particular winter was not kind to runners, even south Texas runners. Some of those Saturdays were very cold and rainy. But it didn’t matter. I ran the distance that my coach told me to run. Sometimes it was really fun! It was delightful, the wind at my back and not a care in the world. Other mornings it was wet and I bundled up and slogged through the miles. Somedays I carried specific and heavy burdens to the Lord in prayer with every mile. But it was all discipline… training… preparing my body for the grueling task of running for five hours on the first Saturday in April. And because I did three full months of training and stuck to the race day plan, I achieved my goal! I beat the five hour timer with six minutes to spare!
In life there are some seasons that may feel like training runs, where it’s cold and rainy, difficult or challenging. Finances are a mess. The marriage is rocky. Health is compromised. The job is stressful. Children are childish. In order to succeed we must keep getting out there, week after week after week… season after season. And by doing so, as you persevere, you become stronger.
Jamilia Williams runs in the 2015 Irving Marathon carrying the American Flag on April 4, 2015.
Jamila Williams is from Las Cruces, New Mexico. She runs for Team Red White and Blue, an organization that honors our military veterans and wounded warriors. During my marathon she carried a four-foot-tall American Flag for the whole 26.2 miles! With the flag high above the runner’s heads, from the back of the pack I could easily see her for miles and miles. In fact, I chased her for 20 miles. When I finally caught up to Jamila, I thanked her for being an inspiration without knowing it. I told her how I kept seeing those Stars and Stripes ahead and how it egged me on to run faster and run harder. She told me she carries the flag for those who are no longer able to do so. I shared with her the verse in the Bible from Hebrews 12, where we are encouraged to “fix our eyes on Jesus.” I mentioned how when I fixed my eyes on her flag way out in front of me, I was also calling out to Jesus to give me strength for the next mile. We ran back and forth for about a mile. And, since I was following my training plan and drinking lots of water, I had to duck into the port-o-let at Mile 22. When I came out, she was out of reach again. She finished five minutes ahead of me.
Here’s that passage from Hebrews 12:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV)
My point here is that I’m certain there are many who are just like Jamila Williams. You lift high the flag of Jesus, and of your churches, and of your schools, neighborhoods and of your families. You are such an inspiration to many and you don’t even know it. You serve and you love unconditionally and you keep doing so every single day. Even when it’s not easy. Like running a marathon, life is not a flat open course. You have had to run up some very long hills when you just didn’t have the energy to do so. You may have been weary eyed and physically spent. Because you are keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus, you are making it. And you are inspiring many!
And I’m here to tell you, when you are going through your rough struggles, make a plan, stick to it, keep trusting God and you will make it. How am I so sure? First of all, because I made it! The marathon I ran had a long, slow, uphill climb around Mile 23. And yes, by that time in the race, my running form did not look much like it did at Mile 3. It was grueling. But once I made it to the crest, those final miles were downhill and rewardingly easy.
I had trained well, so I finished well. I event sprinted the last 100 yards!
The other reason we all can run well? The Hebrews 12 text says it is because those who have gone before us are cheering us on. Parents, grandparents, friends… They have set the example for us. They have encouraged us to always keep the banner of our King Jesus raised high. And by their inspiration and supernatural presence, we can accomplish much. We can steadfastly accomplish the goal and the vision God has set before us!
So, my call to you: keep on running the race. Keep praying. Keep training. Keep listening to what Jesus has to say to you. Keep His vision set before you. And as He leads, be courageous and follow. Be obedient.
I believe the best part of this race is ahead of us. I also believe when you train and stick to the plan, and keep your eyes on Jesus, you will finish the race as I finished last Saturday’s marathon… with great strength, a fist pump or two, maybe even with tears running down your cheeks… and with great joy!
From the Journal of Miriam (Mary), the mother of Jesus:
I’ll never forget that night. It wasn’t all that long ago. Ah, the little boy is growing up. Just turned two at his last birthday.
So, that night… Jacob, oh my, had been running crazy. We had to get to Bethlehem for the Census. His family is from this region. The four day journey on that donkey? Yes, of course, I grumbled and complained almost non-stop. I told him we couldn’t go to Bethlehem for the baby was due any day. He told me we had to do what the law required. And so, we went. Dear sweet Jacob. We looked all over town for a suitable place. And at each door we knocked, the pain only intensified. The contractions were closer and closer. The hour was later and later. Jacob was at his wit’s end. “Oih vey, it wasn’t supposed to be this way,” he said over and over mostly to no one in particular. And when he finally found me a place, it was really not a suitable place at all. Of course, I told him it would be fine, but inside my head I kept thinking, “No, no, no! This is not what we had planned.” The air was damp. There was a cow and her nursing calf less than ten feet away! The place smelled! All we had was a single candle, we could hardly see.
The agony of the labor. The challenges of the delivery. I had no mid-wife. Unless you consider Jacob. But he was venturing into places few husbands ever go. This was the hardest thing I have ever done! And yes, there was much pain, and much blood. And even though Jacob held my hand, I felt very much alone. But all of that changed in an instant. When that little child was born… it was all so worth it! It was amazing. You wouldn’t believe the little glint in his eyes or the turned up smiled of his pursed lips.
Oh dear Yahweh! I kept thinking, “How am I going to be able to be the mother to this child, Your son? He’s so perfect. And we are so not perfect. I mean, look at this place where he was born. Such an awful, smelly place! And we are so ordinary people. We are obviously not wealthy. Where was I to put him to rest? In the cow’s manger, the feed trough? Really?” I wrapped him in the only cloths we had and laid him down and he went fast asleep. Jacob said we are to give the boy the name Yeshua, “Yahweh saves.”
Some shepherds came to visit us. Who knows how they found us? I’m reminded of the prophet Micah who said that Messiah will come from Bethlehem and will shepherd his flock in the strength of Yahweh.
Even now, I wonder how Yahweh will use this sweet child? Will He be a mighty warrior like David?
This has been such an amazing experience! I continued to ponder and treasure every moment as I watched him rest that night in that unlikely crib. “Impossible,” I thought. But then I remembered the words of the angel nine months prior – the message of the manger: “Nothing is impossible with God.”
25 Great Gifts for you and me from God as revealed in the New Testament book of Ephesians.
Click HERE to view The Greatest Gifts book trailer. Order at Amazon before Thanksgiving so you will receive it in time to start on December 1st. Available in paperback or Kindle.
Jesus is my brother and my friend. (photo from the movie “The Gospel According to Matthew” with Bruce Marchiano as Jesus, distributed by the Visual Bible, 1993).
Throughout Advent, let’s look at the people of the story of Christ’s birth. Today: James, the brother of Jesus. Here is my take on a possible first person narrative from Matthew 1, Luke 2 and the book of James.
I’ll never forget the story my Mom and Dad used to tell about that night. I wasn’t there. I’m the little brother. So, I have to rely on the memory of others.
My name is Jacob. You know me as James, the brother of Jesus. I called him Yeshua.
Our Dad’s name is also Jacob. But you know him as Joseph. Oh, the stories he would tell about those days. And Mom? Well, as any woman in her final weeks of pregnancy she was, according to Abba, “cranky.” Every little thing was a big thing. “Do you have to hammer so loudly?” she would ask. Dad’s hammering was always the same volume.
It was late in the day when Dad heard the news. Laws are laws. Caesar commanded that everyone return to their hometown to be counted in a census. Since our family is of the Tribe of David, that meant a four day journey to the City of David. A four day trip? With Mom in her condition? My Dad was such a gentleman, but how was he going to do this? Such an excursion with such a pregnant wife! He says he found a couple of extra blankets to put on the back of the donkey. Mom was the adventurous type, but I’m pretty sure this was just one journey she didn’t enjoy. Dad’s plan was to keep a positive outlook saying that they could make the trip as quickly as possible, register for the census and get back to Nazareth in time for the baby to be born… in time for my brother to be born.
Mom says she was very quiet sitting up on the donkey for most of the trip. Dad says he kept thinking about the son inside of Mom, and our family and our family’s future, and what the angel had said in two different conversations to both Mom and Dad.
Then it happened! All of sudden everything changed. Mom started talking and chattering in quick words and phrases. The energy level changed and there was a rush of anticipation. It was time! Can you see them? Not now! Not on the road! Not on a donkey! This is not at all what my Dad had planned!
They got to the town of Bethlehem and there were people everywhere. Not the usual empty, sleepy village. It was night, close to midnight and Mom was holding on to her belly. Dad told Yeshua and me years later that the sounds coming from her mouth rivaled the noise of that old donkey. She needed a place, a bed, a clean room. The baby would be born that night.
So, with great fear Dad tied the mule up by a tree and sat our Mom down on the blankets by the side of the road and he ran off to find an appropriate place. No one would help him out. Everyone was interested, but not a single person would offer assistance.
So he went back to where he had left Mom and the donkey. He helped her back up onto the mule and they began wandering through the tangled streets and alleys of Bethlehem together. Not sure how it happened, but the animal led them to a cave. It was smelly. Wet. Dark. Dank. Not even a nice place for animals. My gracious Mom assured Dad that it would be fine. Dad felt terrible. This is not at all what he had planned. He would tell us years later, “I’m the carpenter, the one who makes solutions, not problems. I earn a living fixing things!” He truly felt like he had let both Mom and my soon-to-be-born big brother down.
Dad laughs about it now, but, the next thing he realized, he was the midwife. Dear Mom led Dad to a place where most husbands never venture. Together they heard the first cries as the baby was born… as Yeshua was born! Dad used his knife and cut the cord and handed the baby up to Mom.
Amazing!
Dad still says that as he watched Mom and Yeshua together, by the light of a single candle, surrounded by animals, that that moment was the most special moment of his life… the moment when his dear bride was the most beautiful.
Mom and Dad had other children after that night. I came along a few years later.
And yes, Yeshua is a special brother to me. While it took me a few years to understand the supernatural part of him — that he is God’s son — he is still my brother.
We grew up together. We played games together. We fished in the Sea together. We helped Dad make furniture as he taught us how to build walls and homes with our hands. I always enjoyed conversation around a meal or a fire with Yeshua. He had a great sense of humor.
He was about as real a friend and brother as you can find.
As a big brother, he was always looking out for me. He was an incredible teacher. He taught me how to find peace in the midst of trials and that Godly wisdom means more than street smarts. He taught me about temptation and how to stay right and strong and pure. He encouraged me to put my faith into action. He cautioned me often about the words I speak, for my tongue seems to get me in trouble regularly. He told me to look for the best in others. And to be willing to admit my faults. And to pray for, and with, each other.
I saw some pretty incredible miracles walking along side Yeshua.
But mostly, I saw the greatest kind of love a brother can offer… unconditional and everlasting love.
Our mutual friend John said it best about him: Greater love has no one than this, than he who lays down his life for his brother.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” she said. “And I am willing to do whatever He wants. May everything you said come true.” (Image from Zondervan.)
Throughout Advent, let’s look at the people of the story of Christ’s birth. This week: Gabriel. Here is my take on a possible first person narrative from Luke 1.
I love my work. I truly do. I am a messenger who brings Good News to people. I am God’s mouthpiece. Yes, I stand in the presence of God Himself. He speaks to me. He gives me messages to deliver. Many years ago I spoke to Daniel and explained a dream to the prophet. Interesting that the vision he had then ties directly to our time now.
Just a few months ago the Almighty sent me to Elizabeth’s husband, Zacharias. That was an interesting exchange. Here’s this man, a priest, holy in actions and respected by both God and man… He is ministering in the inner part of the sanctuary… I appear from the altar of incense. He was a bit frightened but I brought a message of incredible news, good news:
“Don’t be afraid, Zacharias!” I told him. “For I have come to tell you that God has heard your prayer, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John.”
God told me to let Zacharias know that both he and Elizabeth would be filled great joy and gladness at this son’s birth, and many will rejoice with them. Both Zacharias and his wife were old, but this son would be one of the Lord’s great men. I told him that this baby would be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from before his birth!
Can you see him? He stood there next to the Ark of the Covenant and just stared at me. I continued to speak of the encouraging future God had for this son. “He will persuade many a Jew to turn to the Lord his God,” I told him. “And he will be a man of rugged spirit and power like Elijah, the prophet of old; and he will precede the coming of the Messiah, preparing the people for his arrival. He will soften adult hearts to become like little children’s, and will change disobedient minds to the wisdom of faith.”
Such news, eh? Who wouldn’t welcome this great plan from God Almighty? And yet this man, Zacharias, didn’t believe it! He didn’t believe me. Clearly just my presence with him in the Holy of Holies was miraculous. But he stammered on about how old he was… and his wife…
Didn’t he recall the stories of Abraham and Sarah? Or Elkanah and Hannah. Or Isaac and Rebekah? No, I guess not. But hadn’t he been praying for a son? Yet he doubted. I just couldn’t believe that he didn’t believe. You could say the hair on the back of my neck stood up.
So, do you know what I said next? i raise my voice. “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was He who sent me to you with this good news! And now, because you haven’t believed me, you are to be stricken silent, unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly come true at the proper time.”
You know, sometimes you have to take some pretty radical steps to get some people’s attention.
Ah, but not Mary. Not Mary.
Every time the Almighty has sent me to speak directly to His children I have to say “Don’t be afraid!” right at the start. Every time . Except one. Miriam. You know her as Mary. She wasn’t like Zacharias. She wasn’t like Daniel. Such a sweet girl. Such love for God she has. Yes, she was a little confused at my message, and I had to explain a few things to the young woman, but she believed it… because she believed God.
You haven’t heard the message? Oh my, well, I’m sure she wouldn’t mind my repeating it for you. Here’s what I said:
“God has decided to wonderfully bless you, Miriam! Very soon now, you will become pregnant and have a baby boy, and you are to name him ‘Jesus.’ He shall be very great and shall be called the Son of God. And the Lord God shall give him the throne of his ancestor David.And he shall reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom shall never end!”
Here’s the confusing part. She asked how this was going to be, because she and her fiance’ Jacob, you know him as Joseph, had rightfully never been together. “How can I have a baby?” She asked me. “I am a virgin.”
This is the part I had to explain… and even I didn’t understand the message the Almighty had given me to give to her. I told her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of God shall overshadow you.”
Listen to this… this is what is so amazing about Jehovah. God’s plan was this way so the baby born to sweet Miriam, Mary, would be completely holy, the Son of God.
I then mentioned that her Cousin Elizabeth was with child and I assured her that “every promise from God shall surely come true.”
And here’s the best part of the whole mission: her response. I had just told her some pretty remarkable news… in fact, impossible news. More impossible than the news I had delivered to Zacharias, really. And what was her reply? Oh, this delightful child is wise beyond her years. “I am the Lord’s servant,” she said. “And I am willing to do whatever He wants. May everything you said come true.”
May everything be as I had said! Her world was about to be totally flipped upside down. And she was ready and willing! Can you believe that? How old was this girl? 14-15? What trust! What obedience!
She was willing to say “Be born in me!” Despite the mystery of how God was going to be a baby… or how the One who birthed the stars in the sky was allowing himself to now be birthed by this young girl.
She trusts that God knows what He’s doing. His invitation is for everyone. He will soon be here! His invitation isn’t just for Miriam. It’s for all of you. It’s His great love, reaching down to save the world.
Throughout Advent, let’s look at the people of the story of Christ’s birth. This week: a shepherd. Here is my take on a possible first person narrative from Luke 2.
It was just another night, really. Nothing too special about it. The sheep were grazing or sleeping on the rolling meadow, just north of Bethlehem. The air was cool, but not cold yet, so we let the animals continue to stay out in the fields rather than finding a cave for shelter.
My name? It’s not really important, for I am a lowly shepherd. There are none in all of Israel that think of our people as anyone special. We do not command much attention and merely go about our work in a quiet, nondescript manner. We feed the sheep and goats. We water the sheep and goats. We guard the sheep and goats. We move them about so they will find plenty to eat and just the right amount to drink. And this we do day in and day out.
Shepherding is the only job I have ever had. I know my sheep, and they know me. As of today, I have 109 sheep in my flock: 32 rams, 41 ewes, and 36 lambs. There are another 88 goats. Everything I own is in a pack on my donkey. It’s not much. Another tunic. Some candles and pottery. A few ropes and animal skins. A small bag of nuts and raisins. Oh, and my flute. I so enjoy the gift God has given me to play music. It is a joy to worship the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all while simply blowing across hole in a hollowed out piece of wood. I think the sheep like it as well.
My brother has his flock just over there. My brother-in-law is along that ridge.
So, about “that” night… The air was crisp. The moon was full. The sky bursting with bright stars. We had just thrown another log on a small fire. We kept watch for coyotes, for this is the time of the year when they prey on the members of our flock. We were talking about heading back to our village and meeting up with our families as it was the season to go up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast. Of course, we do not ever get to go to the Temple, for we must be out here. But some in our family are blessed to be able to make the short journey to Mt. Zion.
We were making our plans when suddenly the night sky became very bright, as if it was the middle of the day. The sheep were startled and began to cry and low and move about anxiously. The three of us, did our best to keep them calm, all the while our hearts raced frantically. We had never seen this happen before. We had heard of earthquakes but had not experienced one. Was this that? Or some other natural phenomenon? Was this some sort of army moving across the plains? The dogs were barking, the sheep bleating, the donkey braying. We were terribly frightened.
Through the bright light a man appeared… a man like we had not ever seen previously. His first words? “Do not be afraid!” And yet we were terrified! It was truly a challenge to slow our heart rate and calm our breathing.
And then he said he was a messenger bringing good news, joyful news. Our Savior was born this very night and we were to go quickly down to the village of Bethlehem and see this new baby. A baby? Our Messiah? What was he saying? Who was this man? While he didn’t tell us he was an angel, we quickly figured that out when a multitude of others joined him and they started singing. Singing! And proclaiming the birth of a Savior.
“Glory to God!” they sang. “Peace on earth!” echoed across the valley, amplified by the night air.
Who were we to hear this message? We are not priests or rabbis or Pharisees or King Herod. Maybe they should go and proclaim this news to people of stature?
And just as quickly as they appeared, they returned again into the heavens.
So, of course, we did what they told us to do. We gathered our things; rounded up the flocks. And we ventured across the meadow in the middle of the night, down the rocky path to the village of Bethlehem. We looked and searched all over town. Can you see us? With our sheep? And our goats? And our donkeys? And the shepherding dogs? Oh, what noise we made as we meandered through the village in the middle of the night.
A man named Jacob came to greet us. He asked what we were doing wandering around? We told him of the angels and the singing and the bright lights in the sky. We shared the message of good news they had shared with us. He was stunned and had this look on his face I’ll never forget. It was a look of disbelief and belief all at the same time… like something very real and very special just dawned on him. With an eager jump in his step he led us to a small, dark, dank cave. He apologized as he motioned for us to enter. Inside were a few animals and a woman, who he said was his wife, lying in some straw. Her face was illuminated by a single candle. And she nursed a new born baby.
“Miriam!” he whispered with enthusiasm. “These men… they saw angels who told them to come find us… to find him… our son.”
We looked at each other with doubt in our eyes. Is this our Messiah? Our king? The savior of the world? But wouldn’t he be born in a royal palace attended to by a multitude of nurses and midwives and servants? Wouldn’t he be wrapped in silk or fine linens, not these swaddling rags?
Jacob could read our thoughts as our faces betrayed our skepticism. “He was born in this simple cave,” he said with humble honesty, “because he was born for you.”
“But we are lowly shepherds,” we explained. “And he is a king?”
“Yes,” Jacob replied. “Yes, indeed. He has been born for you and for them. You, however, you are the first to see Him. His name is ‘Immanuel. God with us.’ Go! Go tell everyone you see what a great thing God has done for all of us.”
And so, we did. Our suspicions turned to great joy. We returned to the fields and we praised the God of our Fathers … for the angels, for Jacob, for Miriam, but mostly for this baby, our Savior, born this very night!
The Wise Men seek the King. When they found Him they were changed forever. How about you?
Throughout Advent, let’s look at the people of the story of Christ’s birth. This week: a Wise Man. Here is my take on a possible first person narrative from Matthew 2.
We have just left the place where I, personally, experienced the most significant event in my life! We saw Him, the infant, the child, the true King of Israel. And we gave Him gifts. And we worshipped Him. And we are changed forever.
Let me back up for a minute. My name is Gushnavadar. I am a Magi of the east, from Babylon in Persia. I have two companions with me, one is twenty years my senior, the other is twenty years my junior. They call us “wise men,” and I guess, we are just that, but we are not kings.
Our people go back to the prophet Daniel, who was one of our own. He prophesied about a Messiah. Although Daniel was a Hebrew, we are Gentiles. But we love the same God as the people of Israel. He has given us this unique gift of interpreting dreams. Some also call us astrologers, for we study the stars in the sky. But we do so with a specific purpose and anointing, as we believe they point to what God is doing now and in the future.
Recently, something strange occurred in the night sky… three stars lined up and pointed right to the city of Jerusalem in Palestine. And what was significant about these stars is they were of the constellation Aries, the Ram. Three stars, from a ram, pointing to the city of David?
Ever since King Nebuchadnezzar took the people of Judah into captivity in our home country, we have known of the stories of God’s deliverance of His people. One oft-told account recalls a ram, stuck in a thicket, that God provided as a sacrifice. It was on Mount Moriah there in what is now Jerusalem. The intended sacrifice was Abraham’s son, Isaac. But God had another plan. And we have heard that one day God will deliver all of Abraham’s children, both Jews and Gentiles, by way of a ram, or a lamb.
So, the stars pointed to Jerusalem and the three of us Magi, along with a cavalry of slaves and servants, ventured out to seek the meaning of the stars. You should know that some have called us Magi “king makers” for no king in all of the Orient became royalty without the blessing of our little fraternity. And if the stars were calling out that a new king had arrived, it was our job to sanction his monarchy. Yes, we knew Herod was the “king of the Jews” in Palestine, but that was a title merely bestowed on him by Caesar Augustus so he would have some clout in collecting taxes.
We arrived in Jerusalem several months, and over a thousand miles, after our departure from the East. When Herod heard we were in town looking for a new king he was shaken and irritated. Was his make-shift reign coming to an end? He called for a meeting with us immediately. We told him of the prophesy and the stars. He was familiar with the Ancient Word, but had no knowledge of the night sky pointing us here at this time. He suggested we search the neighboring town of Bethlehem, for his advisors recalled the Biblical text of Micah that says “You, oh Bethlehem, will be the birthplace of my King, who is alive from everlasting ages past…” (Micah 5:2, Living Bible) He told us to return to Jerusalem and let him know if we found this new king so that he might worship the king as well.
Along the way, again we sought the night sky for direction. Another star appeared, and its travel actually stopped and reversed and stopped again… right over a simple peasant home in Bethlehem.
We approached cautiously. A carpenter appeared in the doorway, amazed at our large caravan. Could this be the man we were seeking? He assured us, no, he was but a simple man. However, his son… his son…
The three of us entered the home and immediately we knew. We just knew. His mother was radiant. The child, now some six months old, sat up in her lap. He was not the King we expected, but He was most certainly the King that the God of the Hebrews had anointed. We were instantly humbled in His presence. We offered Him gifts we had brought, although honestly they seemed insignificant… the gold, the frankincense and myrrh. And we bowed before Him, no we fell before Him and worshipped… worshipped… worshipped….
We stayed as long we could. Our lives and hearts changed forever. Transformed really.
We are heading back to Persia, by a different way. God has told us in a dream that we must protect the new King and not tell Herod. Not really sure what we will do once we get home. I know we cannot merely go back and live the life we had been living. No, it will be different now. We sought out the new King, and we found Him! We found Him!
And we will tell the people of Judah living in our land that they, too, must seek out and find their new King! And if they let Him into their life, they will be completely transformed as well.
The Old Man by Annu from trekearth.com. Simeon perhaps? God promised that he would see Messiah before he died. And he did!
Throughout Advent, let’s look at the people of the story of Christ’s birth. This week: Simeon. Here is my take on a possible first person narrative from Luke 2.
I have tried to live a devout life. My parents were good Jews. They brought me up in the traditions of the Temple. We lived along the Coast of the Great Sea. Three times each year, my parents brought the whole family to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feasts.
I married and had my own family and repeated the same traditions. We also came up to Jerusalem three times each year. We celebrated Pesach, the Passover, in the Spring… Shavuot, Pentecost, in the summer… and Yom Kippur and Sukkoth each fall. These are special times for all of Israel, but especially for us devout Jews. It’s a time to remember how Jehovah delivered His people from the bondage of Egypt, how He gave us His Law and how He cared for us during our wanderings, before we entered the Promised Land.
Since my wife died I’ve decided just to stay here in Jerusalem. It’s easier on this old body of mine. I spend my days near the Temple. God is present in my life every moment. I pray. I sing. I do odd jobs for the priests. I pray for people who come by. I enjoy Jehovah’s presence in my life. I can sense His Spirit. It is real. He has blessed me more than I’ll ever begin to be able to tell you.
But there was this one time, it was about 25 years ago… during the Feast of Tabernacles when we all come up to remember the roamings of our ancestors through the dessert… we set up small tents called Sukkah’s to live in for the week. And we gather for a festive time of remembering. It was during the worship celebration at the Temple; the high priest had just returned back from the Kidron Brook with a vessel of water from Siloam’s Pool to pour out on the altar. In the frenzy of the crowd shouting “Hosanna!” I heard the voice of Jehovah. He spoke to me as I am I speaking to you now. All the noise of the crowd went silent And He said: “Simeon. You will not die before you see my Chosen One, the Messiah, in Whom I will deliver all of Israel. From Him will come streams of Living Water, not just a pitcher of water. And He will be poured out for the redemption of all of Israel.” In the midst of this great worship service, I was stunned! Living water? Poured out? The Messiah? Yes, we know He will come some day. But in my lifetime? How wonderful that day will be! Will it be as Joel has promised? Will the prophesies come true? Will Elijah truly come again before Messiah?
I am an old man now and I have dreamed dreams of His coming again. I’ve spent the rest of my life watching, waiting, wondering… who could it be? I look deep into the eyes of every man who passes by. Will he be like Moses or more like Joshua? He must be a young adult, at least, and Jehovah is shaping Him into our powerful King and Messiah. Every time I see Herod speak before the crowds I look around and ask myself: could he be a Jewish officer in Herod’s castle waiting to be revealed? What mighty legion of soldiers does he lead? Or maybe he is a governor, or a synagogue ruler by this point in his life?
Some have said he will come from the Galilee. Ha! There’s nothing but farmers and fishermen up there!
Whoever he is, I know I will recognize him in the blink of an eye. He will be as strong as David when he routed the Philistines! He will be as wise as David’s son Solomon. He will rule our people with power in one hand and grace and love in the other. He will deliver us from the oppressors, be it Rome or Egypt, once and for all. Isaiah says he will come to heal the brokenhearted. And those who mourn in Zion? They will rejoice!
Ah, look. There is a peasant couple with a young baby. They always want a blessing, these new parents. I must go into the Temple. Funny, the priest is quite capable. But he always asks me. “Simeon. Come bless this new child,” he says. “They rather have the old man bless the child than the priest.”
So, I will go. And I will keep looking.
I wonder if they are of the tribe of Judah? Maybe the father is someone special?
donkeys. No angels singing. Not even a baby in a manger. Yet, there are still 25 gifts God wants to give you for Christmas. And they are found in a little six chapter book half way through the New Testament.
RichRonald.com 