“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’ When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. ‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.’ After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” (Matthew 2:1-12 NASB)
This is your Sunday Share, so, (1) You can see why taking notes in church is beneficial, since we only retain 15-20% of what is spoken, and (2) You now have a prepared Christmas Morning Family Meditation to read together before one present is opened. Below are some of the points that our Pastor shared in a short message Sunday, a specific message sent for you. Here are some of some of the information he shared as inspired from what he found, “in the text.” That’s preaching!
- Being a follower of Jesus is not like being a follower on social media. Being one of Jesus’ followers involves commitment, obedience, and change.
- Being a follower of Jesus will cost something; not speaking about monetary costs, but rather actions like changing priorities, leaving the old behind and putting on the new. (Ask each member of your family to answer this question silently, “What kind of follower are you?”)
- In the text, the star that the magi saw moved them. (Think about Jesus, our Bright and Morning Star! Is He leading you? Don’t you know that our Star deserves our obedient response, rapid change, and rising out of our comfort zones!)
- The magi had to travel a long distance, 600-1000 miles, following their star, over a lot of varying terrain. We must follow our Star over the ever-changing terrains of life. And as long as we are here on this earth, we must follow our Star regardless of the conditions we face. Yes, it is a long distance. But at the end, a great reward awaits us in Glory!
- The star in the verse above led the magi. Know that we should allow our Star, Jesus to lead us!
- The magi get to Jesus and their encounter with Jesus changed them. They did not go back the same way them came, but they were led in another direction. Please note that Jesus will change your direction when you have an encounter with Him.
Okay, I might have delayed you gift opening, but I want to be true to my word that I would write a beneficial Sunday Share. Celebrate today, starting with the celebration of the One who took on flesh and dwelt among us! Can you say “Emmanuel?” This is a gift to every reader and their family. Be blessed!
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King