Friday, December 24, 2010
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Ezekiel 28-30 and 1 Peter 3
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Ezekiel 28-30 and 1 Peter 3
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 2:1, 9-11 (ESV); And...wise men from the east came to Jerusalem…And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Though they actually never cross paths in the real Christmas story, the nativity display of wise men and shepherds surrounding baby Jesus in the manger highlights God’s big picture. Jesus was being born for the redemption of ALL people – from the lowliest shepherd to the wisest intellectual.
These men were thinkers, great in comparison to the shepherds. Their humility differed from the shepherds’ in appearance but was equally present. The shepherds were humble to begin with and were allowed part of a great display of glory. The wise men were willing to humble themselves for the sake of the Lord. They put aside their studies to kneel before a child. They were genuine seekers of the truth. They were full of knowledge on many levels, and were willing to submit their understanding completely to God. Those who desire to know truth and who sincerely seek it with humility will find it. When we are willing to put aside what we WANT to be true and search out what is ACTUALLY true, our hearts will be opened to find the truth.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Meditate on the above passage and the characters of the wise men. How is your view of Christ’s birth and the surrounding events changed or enhanced?
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to search the climate of your heart. Is your heart warm and receptive to ALL of God’s truth? Is it cold and hard? Is it lukewarm? Spend some time listening to the voice of the Lord on this.
3. The wise men were willing to show their commitment to the Lord by GIVING to Him. How does God want you to show your love to Him by GIVING this season? Ask Him specifically what He wants you to do.
