🙏 Friday Service @ The RRC • Follow the Star 🙏

Remnant Replay 🙏 Friday Service @ The RRC • Follow the Star 🙏

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Brothers and sisters, today we gather to reflect upon one of the most beloved and significant stories in the Bible—the journey of the wise men to visit the newborn Jesus.

This story, found in the Gospel of Matthew, holds profound lessons for us as believers, and it reveals the depth of meaning behind the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Scripture 1: Matthew 2:1-2
"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 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 Arrival of the Wise Men:
The story begins with the arrival of the wise men, or Magi, from the East. They saw a star that signified the birth of a king, not just any king but the King of the Jews. Their journey is a testament to their faith and their willingness to follow the divine guidance of that star.

Scripture 2: Matthew 2:3-6
"When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, 'In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'"

The Search for the Messiah:
The Magi's inquiry led them to King Herod, who sought to eliminate any potential threat to his rule. He inquired of the chief priests and scribes who confirmed that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, according to the prophecies. This demonstrates how the birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

Scripture 3: Matthew 2:7-12
"Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, 'Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.' After listening to the king, they went on their way. 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."

The Revelation and Worship:

The Magi continued their journey, and the star led them directly to the place where Jesus lay. When they saw the child, they rejoiced with great joy. They recognized Him as the King and offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, symbolizing Jesus' royalty, divinity, and sacrificial death. Their worship teaches us the importance of recognizing and worshiping Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Significance for Believers:

1. Faith and Obedience: The Magi's journey reminds us of the importance of faith and obedience in following God's guidance, even when the path may seem uncertain.

2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem fulfills the Old Testament prophecies, underscoring the divine plan and the continuity of God's promises.

3. Worship of Christ: Just as the wise men worshiped Jesus, we are called to worship and acknowledge Him as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

4. Seek Jesus: The story encourages us to seek Jesus in our lives, allowing Him to lead us and transform us as we follow our own "stars."

1. **The Journey of Faith and Obedience:**
The Magi's journey was a remarkable act of faith and obedience. Imagine leaving behind their homes, their comforts, and embarking on a long and arduous expedition because they saw a star. Their faith in the divine message of that star is awe-inspiring. It teaches us that faith isn't merely a matter of belief; it's a call to action. In our lives, we are often presented with opportunities to follow God's guidance, even when it seems uncertain or challenging. Just as the wise men didn't waver when faced with difficulties, we too should trust and obey when God leads us on a path.

2. **Fulfillment of Prophecy:**
The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem fulfills numerous Old Testament prophecies. This demonstrates the divine orchestration of events throughout history. The prophets of old spoke of the Messiah's coming, and the arrival of the wise men to worship the infant Jesus affirms the accuracy of these prophecies. It underscores that God's promises are steadfast and that He is faithful to His word. As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that God's plans will come to fruition, just as they did with the birth of Jesus.

3. **The Act of Worship:**
The Magi's worship of Jesus is a profound act of homage. They brought gifts that symbolized the attributes of Christ: gold representing His royalty, frankincense signifying His divinity, and myrrh foreshadowing His sacrificial death. Their worship teaches us that Jesus is not just a historical figure; He is the King of Kings, the Son of God, and the Savior of humanity. Our worship, too, should be a sincere and sacrificial offering to Him. It's not just about attending church services, but about presenting our lives as living sacrifices, honoring Jesus in all that we do.

4. **Seeking Jesus:**
The Magi's relentless pursuit of Jesus symbolizes our spiritual journey. We, too, are on a journey to seek and encounter Christ in our lives. Just as the star guided the wise men, God provides guidance and direction in our lives through His Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. We are called to follow our own "stars" — those divine promptings and callings that lead us closer to Jesus. This journey may not always be easy, but the reward is immeasurable: a deeper relationship with the Savior.

5. **Carrying the Light of Christ:**
Finally, the story of the wise men reminds us that we are called to carry the light of Christ in our hearts and share it with the world. The star that guided the Magi is a symbol of the light of Christ, which dispels darkness and brings hope, joy, and peace. As believers, we are entrusted with the mission to share the Good News and be bearers of Christ's light to a world in need. Our lives should reflect His love and grace, drawing others to the Savior.

The Magi's decision not to tell King Herod about the exact location of Jesus is a significant aspect of the biblical narrative, and several reasons contribute to their silence:

1. **Divine Warning:** After visiting Jesus and presenting their gifts, the Magi received a warning from God in a dream. In Matthew 2:12, it is written, "And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way." This divine warning strongly indicated that Herod had malicious intentions toward the child, and it was crucial to protect Jesus from harm.

2. **Herod's Deception:** Herod had initially deceived the Magi by feigning interest in worshiping Jesus. In reality, he sought to find and eliminate any potential threat to his rule. The Magi may have discerned Herod's true motives and understood that disclosing Jesus' location would endanger the child's life.

3. **Respect for God's Plan:** The Magi, guided by their faith and understanding of divine signs, likely recognized the importance of God's plan in the birth of Jesus. They may have felt a deep reverence for this divine moment and the prophetic significance of the Messiah's birth. Keeping the knowledge of Jesus' whereabouts secret could have been a way of respecting God's unfolding plan for salvation.

4. **Protection of the Child:** Above all, the Magi's decision not to reveal Jesus' location was an act of protection. They understood that Jesus was vulnerable as an infant, and their silence ensured His safety from Herod's nefarious intentions. By obeying the divine warning and taking a different route home, they contributed to preserving the life of the Messiah.

In essence, the Magi's choice to keep silent about Jesus to Herod was a combination of divine guidance, discernment of Herod's true intentions, and a deep respect for the divine plan of salvation. It highlights their faith, obedience to God's leading, and their commitment to safeguarding the life of the child who would become the Savior of the world.

The gifts that the wise men (Magi) brought to the infant Jesus—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—are laden with profound symbolic significance, each revealing a deeper aspect of Jesus' identity and mission, as well as providing valuable lessons for believers.

1. **Gold: A Symbol of Royalty and Kingship:**
- The gift of gold symbolizes Jesus' royal identity as the King of Kings and the Son of God. It acknowledges His authority and sovereignty over all creation.
- Significantly, the wise men recognized that Jesus was not merely a human baby but a divine King. This acknowledgment challenges us to honor Jesus as the ultimate authority in our lives. We should submit to His lordship and rule, recognizing that He is the source of true power and leadership.

2. **Frankincense: A Symbol of Divinity and Worship:**
- Frankincense is a fragrant resin used in religious ceremonies and symbolizes the divine nature of Jesus. It was commonly used in the worship of God in the Old Testament.
- The gift of frankincense underscores the truth that Jesus is not just a man but also God incarnate. He is Emmanuel, "God with us." This reminds us to worship Jesus not only for His earthly teachings and miracles but for His divine nature. He is worthy of our adoration and praise as the Son of God.

3. **Myrrh: A Symbol of Sacrifice and Suffering:**
- Myrrh was an aromatic resin used in embalming and had associations with death and suffering. It is a prophetic gift, foreshadowing Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross.
- The inclusion of myrrh in the gifts signifies that Jesus came not only to reign as King and reveal His divinity but also to offer Himself as a sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. This anticipates His role as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
- Myrrh serves as a reminder that the path of discipleship may involve sacrifice and suffering. Just as Jesus endured the cross for our salvation, we are called to take up our own crosses and follow Him, even in the face of challenges and trials.

The significance of these gifts lies in their profound representation of Jesus' identity and mission. They remind us that Jesus is the King of divine authority, the God worthy of worship, and the Savior who suffered for our sins. As believers, we are called to respond to these truths:

- We should acknowledge Jesus as our King and submit to His lordship.
- We should worship Jesus as the divine Son of God, recognizing His unique and unmatched position.
- We should embrace the sacrificial aspect of His mission and be willing to take up our crosses, following His example of selflessness and love.

In essence, the gifts of the Magi not only honor the newborn Jesus but also provide us with a blueprint for our relationship with Him. They invite us to recognize His multifaceted role in our lives and respond with reverence, adoration, and a willingness to follow Him wholeheartedly.

In the journey of the wise men, we find a powerful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. It's not just about gifts, decorations, or festivities, but about recognizing and worshiping Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. Like the Magi, let us follow the star, seek Him diligently, and offer our lives as a gift of worship to the one who came to bring us salvation and eternal life. May we carry the light of Christ in our hearts and share it with the world, for He is the true Light that has come into the world to dispel darkness and bring hope, joy, and peace. Amen.