Daily Scripture Threshing for Saturday, December 21, 2024
Today's Text: Matthew 2:1-18
Key Verse: Matthew 2:2 (ESV): "Saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."
The visit of the Magi, also known as the wise men, to the baby Jesus is one of Scripture's most fascinating stories. It has offered timeless generations valuable lessons; and is still relevant for believers today. These men, likely from the East, were often thought to be non Jews who had a deep understanding of Jewish scriptures and prophecies; who saw a star in the East that signaled the birth of the King of the Jews and embarked on a long, perilous journey to find Him.
However, there's the plausible historical tradition that holds these Magi in context of biblical understanding that they were of Jewish remnants in exile, who have been deeply familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures and the prophecies of a coming Messiah. They might have been descendants of the Jewish priests and scribes who were exiled to Babylon and Persia after the destruction of the Temple in 586 BCE. Possibly, while they studied the ancient texts, they came across prophecies like Numbers 24:17, which speaks of a star rising from Jacob, and Isaiah 60:3, which mentions nations and kings being drawn to the light of the Lord. These prophecies might have sparked their interest in observing and understanding times and seasons; and to be rooted in their desire to understand the timing and signs of the Messiah's birth. That understanding prrpared them to see the star as a fulfillment of the biblical prophecies, leading them to embark on their journey to Jerusalem.
This perspective adds a new level of depth to the Magi's story. It sheds light on their connection to the Jewish faith and their eagerness to welcome the Messiah. Faith is necessary for us to be guided by and to Jesus, the Star of Bethlehem. Jesus is the same prophetic divine sign that guided the Magi and can guide us to the birthplace of sons. The actions of The Magi demonstrate remarkable faith, obedience, and worship. Despite the challenges they faced, they remained committed to their deep eagerness to learn, seek, pursue, welcome, pay homage to, and embrace Jesus as the newborn King.
We must reflect on the Magi's visit, and learn valuable lesson of faith. The Magi's journey was motivated by faith in the prophecies they had studied. They trusted that the star would lead them to the Messiah, even when the journey seemed uncertain and dangerous. We can learn obedience. When they finally found Jesus, they obeyed the promptings of their hearts and worshiped Him, offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We can learn worship. The Magi's worship was not just a casual acknowledgement of Jesus' existence; but a heartfelt sacrificial act of devotion. They recognized Jesus as the King of the Jews and the Savior of the world. Let us follow the Star. Let us learn, seek, pursue, welcome, pay homage to, embrace and worship Jesus.
Action Steps: Reflect on your own faith journey. Are there areas where you need to trust God more? Consider how you can demonstrate obedience to God's promptings in your life. Evaluate your worship. Is it heartfelt and sacrificial, or has it become routine?
Quote for the Day: "The Magi's visit reminds us that true worship requires faith, obedience, and a willingness to sacrifice. May we follow their example and worship Jesus with hearts full of devotion." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of the Magi, who demonstrated remarkable faith, obedience, and worship. Help us to follow their example and worship Jesus with hearts full of devotion. May our faith be strengthened, our obedience be willing, and our worship be heartfelt — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.
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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Psalm 95:6-7; Isaiah 60:1-6; and Revelation 21:22-27.
Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide written for free distribution and edification of churches, homes, and individuals. For inquiries, free counseling, or deliverance, please, write or visit: The Darling Bishop, 2321 S Beltline Rd Suite 144 Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA.
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With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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