Magi from the East

Welcome. May God bless our study today.

Read Psalm 49

This psalm is very much like a proverb, filled with sound wisdom, practical application, and good advice. We are encouraged not to trust in riches, and ultimately, in ourselves. If we do, we are like the beasts of the earth without understanding that live for a while and perish. What's more, the sons of Korah declare in this psalm that all who trust in riches will have death as their shepherd. What a vivid image. We might picture the grim reaper leading the flock down to their graves. How sad.

Will you follow the grim reaper? Or will you follow your Savior, who is the Good Shepherd, who leads us to life?

The sons of Korah conclude, "But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me" (v 15). Let us also put our trust in the Lord, that he might deliver us from sin, death, and the devil. Let us also not be afraid or be jealous of the wealth of others. It is only temporary. Instead, let us all, wealthy and poor, put our trust in Jesus, that we might all have heavenly treasure that will not fade away.

Read Matthew 2

There are so many surprising things in this text. The visitors are strange. "Magi" have been called "wise men" because they are learned men, but we learn in the book of Daniel where magi also appear that they are "learned" in astrology and magic arts. These are probably more like magicians or sorcerers than they are kings or wise men. Yet somehow they seem to be acquainted from the prophecy that a star will announce the birth of a king of Israel. Perhaps they had heard Numbers 24:17, "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; a star shall rise out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel." So Gentiles, even sorcerers, come to give the King of the Jews a gift.

We also see prophecy fulfilled in a few other places. Micah had prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, and so he was. Jeremiah spoke of a time of great mourning over children, and, sadly, that came to pass too. God had also proclaimed concerning the nation of Israel "Out of Egypt I called my son." He was referring to the nation leaving Egypt in the exodus, but also to his Only Begotten Son, who was really "Israel reduced to one," as one of my professors liked to say. That is, Jesus lived on behalf of Israel, remaining faithful as Israel should have, fulfilled all the prophecies spoken of Israel, and died and rose to redeem Israel.

This includes us. As the New Israel, the Church, we see that the Son of God came to fulfill all these prophesies so that we, whether Jews or Gentiles like the Magi, would find redemption. Our sins are forgiven by him. Yes, as predicted and promised by God through all the Old Testament prophets, this Savior was born in Bethlehem that he might be our Shepherd. Yes, we need not have the grim reaper, we need not have death be our shepherd. But God will rescue us from Sheol. We will rise from our graves, and we will be with him eternally. Thanks be to God!

With that in mind, how should we live for him now?

Ask Yourself:

As an act of worship the Magi gave most precious gifts to the King of Kings. What do I give? Can I give more?

Am I so attached to my earthly treasures, or desire more so much that I find myself trusting in them instead of in the Lord?

Jesus fulfilled prophecy that he might be our Savior from sin. What can I do today to live in thanksgiving that all my sins are cleansed?

Pray:

As with gladness, men of old
Did the guiding star behold
As with joy they hailed its light
Leading onward, beaming bright
So, most glorious Lord, may we
Evermore be led to Thee.

As with joyful steps they sped
To that lowly manger bed
There to bend the knee before
Him Whom Heaven and earth adore;
So may we with willing feet
Ever seek Thy mercy seat.

As they offered gifts most rare
At that manger rude and bare;
So may we with holy joy,
Pure and free from sin’s alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.

Holy Jesus, every day
Keep us in the narrow way;
And, when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide,
Where no clouds Thy glory hide.

In the heavenly country bright,
Need they no created light;
Thou its Light, its Joy, its Crown,
Thou its Sun which goes not down;
There forever may we sing
Alleluias to our King!


Study with me Monday,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!