Friday, December 5, 2014

Consider the Wise Men, RJD Dec. 2014 (Dec. 5)


Journal Entry: January 2, 2004

“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 born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-2, NIV)

               They left their homeland in order to find the Christ child. They studied ancient scrolls for several years and knew of the impending birth.
               They traveled the deserts following a star. When they got lost, a king put them on track again. This king had an evil heart and tried to deceive the travelers into thinking he, also, wanted to worship the Christ child. An angel showed them a safe way home.
               We, also, have to “leave our homes” and step outside our borders in order to find Christ. We have to refrain from our worldly ways and want in order to begin following Jesus.
               Like the Magi, we travel our lives trying to follow a guide. In our journeys we will have times of falling off course and then asking the wrong persons how to get back on track.
               Just like the Magi, we receive help from God delivered through various ways. The Magi’s help came through an angel. Our help may come through another person, a sermon. a friend, or from a Christian author.
               Sometimes, I feel I am walking where no one has been before; it’s at these times I find I am wrong. God has repeatedly led His children through the same ‘unknown’ territory. He does this to either teach us or reward us.
               He rewarded the Magi for their efforts. He allowed them to see the Christ child. These men were educated men, knowledgeable of the beliefs of this land they visited. They knew the proper respect for the Messiah.
               When they found the child, they humbled themselves (bowed down) and worshipped Him. Don’t you think, once we find Him, we should do the same?

UPDATE: By the date, you can tell I wrote this almost eleven years ago.  If I were to rewrite this, I would include something about how the Magi humbled themselves by the very act of bowing down before Jesus.  Each morning, as I begin my prayers, I feel humbled that I can go before the King of Kings and talk to Him, ask His guidance and protection and present requests to the Son of the Most High.      Most of the time, I find myself worshipful as I enter into a time of prayer. How do you feel when you enter into prayer, into God’s presence?



16 comments:

  1. Hi Cecelia! What beautiful reflections on the Magi. I really agree that we have to pass from our native places and move in the direction of God. I pray that I will do that this Advent season.
    I do love sitting in the quiet and being silent with the Lord. I do have vocal prayers too, but I'm trying to be just open and willing for his spirit to enter mine. It's an Advent activity this year for me.
    Happy Weekend!
    Ceil

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    1. Ceil: Thank you for your lovely comments. It's been a tough week here. God is good, all the time. Blessings to you and yours.

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  2. Stepping our of our comfort zone and following "the star" like the Magi, isn't always easy or understandable to others. But, oh! so rewarding when we trust God and let Him lead the way! Yes, this is a good reminder to "follow the star" to Jesus! Thank you Cecilia.

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    1. Pam: Thank you for your kind thoughts. Sometimes, I feel I am holding back from serving Him. A friend prayed for me in a prayer group about my work for Him through the written word. I have some decisions to make.

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  3. It is humbling to be able to approach God as we do--a great reminder of how I need to be more mindful of this privilege and journey. Happy Advent, Cecilia!

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    1. Dawn M. Thank you for stopping in. We approach God in humility because He is so great.Blessings on you and yours.

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  4. I love the lessons we can take from the Magi that you share...this one is a great Christmas/Advent Devotion, Cecelia. Consider sharing it beyond your blog...sending hugs.

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    1. Dawn: Thank you for the warm comments. It has been my desire to find outlets. I will be searching for some on a regular basis. Blessings to you and yours this Advent season.

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  5. Cecelia- The magi are such great examples to us...I am humbled by their response and would like to have a more worshipful attitude of kneeling before Jesus the King...I often imagine him and I face to face sitting across from each other...

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    1. Kel: I wonder, Why did they do this? Was it because they sensed the majesty of this baby? Why were they willling to invest so much time in finding their way to where He was? God guided them, as He guides us. Blessings on you and yours this Advent season.

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  6. It's interesting to see where we've been and how we've grown by looking at our writing from the past, isn't it? Thank you for sharing some of your journey and insight with us. :)

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    1. Karen: Thank you for your insightful comment. I liken the progress one makes in writing to the Christmas tree we had when our son was small. I would assemble the tree and put the lights on. His job was to put the ornaments on, He could only reach so high on the tree; all the ornaments were at his level.Each year that level got higher. I'm being a silly old mom these days.

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  7. Cecilia, your thoughts are as timeless as they are wise. It is quite a thought to know that on our walk home to see the King we will never walk on a road we have walked before. He will always be there with us, leading, guiding and encouraging. Oh, how He loves us for who we are. The gifts we carry are as unique as we are and cannot be compared to the gifts of another. Something that has always struck me about the gifts the wise men carried in their treasure bags...they never compared. Good to see you here at RJD.

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    1. Jeannie, Thank you for your insightful comments. You have given me something to ponder < Something that has always struck me about the gifts the wise men carried in their treasure bags...they never compared>, they didn't. Blessings on you and yours.

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