Heartbeat of FaithIn this intriguing episode of The Heartbeat of Faith Podcast, we embark on a journey to a timeless tale, delving into the fascinating story of the "Three Wise Men." These extraordinary individuals embarked on a relentless pursuit of Jesus, guided by an enigmatic prophecy and an otherworldly star that illuminated their path through the unknown. As we explore their arduous journey and the significance of the star, we're compelled to ponder the extent to which we're willing to go in our own pursuit of Jesus and what we are prepared to offer at His feet.
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These Wise Men, often depicted as three, were likely a diverse and educated group comprising scholars, astronomers, magicians, and biblical scholars. They held a deep understanding of Hebrew prophecies, a testament to the far-reaching influence of God's message beyond Israel's borders. Their weeks-long quest, driven by both prophecy and the extraordinary star, epitomizes the fulfillment of God's promise that all nations would be blessed through Jesus. Their visit, marked by the symbolic gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, highlights the profound story of Jesus' life and destiny. Just as the Wise Men had gifts to present, we, too, possess gifts of time, talent, and treasure that we can offer for God's glory and the betterment of the world. The episode leaves us with a poignant reflection on recognizing and sharing our own gifts as we continue on our journey to understand the character of God.
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Let us pray you shall surely give, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because it is for this thing. Yahweh, your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you put your hand to. Deuterotomy, Chapter fifteen, Verse ten. Dear Lord, you are the giver of life itself and of every good thing. You are generous with your resources, and you have showered me with grace upon grace. My heart longs to display your goodness to those around me. Teach me what it means to be complete in you, so that I may comprehend how you have fully met my needs. Then I can look up and look out to the world around me and share your goodness with them. Show me your great love for me, so that I may be inspired to receive and transmit your love to those who need it most. Thank you for your powerful presence within me in Jesus' name, Amen, Thank you for praying with me today. Now discover the profound intricacies of the heartbeat of faith. With doctor Andrew Farley.
These men traveled for weeks in pursuit of Jesus. Leaning on a prophecy and a star, they ventured into the unknown.
The wise men rode for weeks, traveling by night, in order to follow the strange stars. Old scrolls and prophecies spoke of this star. This star was a sign, a sign of the new King of Israel, a sign of the Messiah.
Think about how far Jesus was willing to go in pursuit of us, and what he was ready to lay down his very life for us. Hello, and welcome to another Christmas episode of the Heartbeat of Faith podcast. I'm doctor Andrew Farley. Today we continue our look into the people who were first to behold the new born king. The shepherds were the first to see Jesus lying in a manger. Eight days later, two elderly prophets sang over the baby. Next, over a year after the birth of Jesus, philosopher Kings traveled across the land to get a glimpse of the King of the Jews.
The desert sand was cold. Underneath the evening sky, a caravan of camels walked information underneath the eastern stars. Riding on the camels we three wise men from the South. They were scholars and astronomers that had tracked the stars closely for any abnormalities. When they discovered that there was a new, bright star resting over Judea. They wasted no time in packing their things and leaving. The Wise Men rode for weeks, traveling by night, in order to follow the strange stars. Old scrolls and prophecies spoke of this star. This star was a sign, a sign of the new King of Israel, a sign of the Messiah.
The Wise Men or magi are often depicted as a small group of three men at Christmas. However, the group was probably much more prominent, consisting of astrologers, philosophers, magicians, and biblical scholars. These men were most likely devotees to the scripture left over from the Jewish influence in Babylon. It's nice to imagine Daniel's effect on the people of Persia ultimately leading to this group of men who visited Jesus.
This was but one example of how Daniel and his friends began to transform the Babylonian culture. They increased in knowledge, wisdom, and favor with God. They had visions and dreams, and began to transform the hearts of those around them. Never Canza brought them into his presence as counselors and wise men in every matter he found them ten times more insightful than the Babylonian scholars, magicians, and enchanters.
The Magi, who were not Israelites, seemed to have a better grasp on the Hebrew prophecy than most Jews of the time. They eagerly awaited the Messiah, proving that God's message was always meant to stretch further than the borders of Israel to the Gentiles. These foreigners traveled for weeks in pursuit of Jesus. Leaning on a prophecy and a star, they ventured into the unknown. God promised Abraham that all the nations would be blessed through Jesus, and this story is a beautiful example of that fulfillment. The Psalms foretold that foreign kings would bow down before the newborn Messiah.
The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. Yes, all kings shall fall down before him, all nations shall serve him. Psalms seventy two ten through eleven.
The wise men approached the home of Jesus with gifts in hand. The three gifts given to Jesus gold, frankencense, and murr each carry a deep symbolic meaning. Gold represents Jesus' kingship and divine right to rule, franknsnse symbolizes his priestly role and union with the Father, and Murr foreshadows his mortality, suffering, and role as a healer, highlighting key aspects of his identity and mission.
As the family shared a moment of tenderness, they heard a knock at the door. Joseph got up to answer and saw the three wise men, draped in expensive robes, standing outside. We have come to see the King, one of them said. So Joseph let them inside. They saw him resting in the arms of his mother and bowed. Mary watched as these men of power and knowledge worshiped at the feet of her child. Her and Joseph were beginning to realize just how special this moment was. The men brought in a small chest. In it were three gifts, gold, frankencense, and murder. Unbeknownst to the wise men, these gifts would represent the royalty, divinity, and death of Christ. In these presents were hidden secrets to the life and death of God's chosen King. After giving the gifts, the men said goodbye and returned to their home.
These gifts collectively embody significant elements of Jesus's life and core aspects of the Christian faith. The people who beheld Jesus in the beginning understood the weight of who he was, and it compelled them to worship him. However, it would take the rest of the world quite a bit of time to discover who he really is. Even his own disciples would wrestle with his identity. Jesus patiently reveals himself through his word and through his spirit. Who in dwells us today. We simply need to expect it to pay attention as he moves within us, motivating us and inspiring us with his great love. Thank you for listening to today's episode of the Heartbeat of Faith podcast. Follow the podcast so you can learn the Bible in this entertaining and inspiring way. Download the Prey dot com app, and for more encouragement in God's grace, visit Andrewfarley dot org. That's Andrewfarley dot org.
