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The Pilgrim Path (12-10-2020)

The Pilgrim Path---Matthew 2: 1—5 

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.” 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 Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet…”

In the Days of HEROD, the King…

The Magi make their way to Jerusalem. It was a long journey from the east. It was no mere reconnaissance trip. This mission was to “see” the new king of the Jews. Matthew tells us that it rattled Herod---and all Jerusalem’s population. Herod was no man to tolerate rivals. He had killed his own sons when he felt threatened by them (and a few other relatives). If Greek was not your native language, and you were in a hurry speaking---you might almost mistake the word “pig” for the word for “son” by the sounds. This made quite a few Jews (and some Romans) joke---“it was better to be Herod’s pig than his son---his pigs seem to live longer!” Not a good reputation to have. That was Herod. Later in Matthew chapter 2---he would have all the male children---two years of age and younger, put to death---in, and around Bethlehem. Herod did not want to “miss” eliminating the, “so-called” king of the Jews (the LORD had already sent him off to Egypt). Herod was a power-hungry, self-absorbed, say-whatever---do whatever- you- have to---duplicitous, self-promoting, “what’s in it for Me?” type of individual. The people in Jerusalem could only quake--- at what he might cook up next---in order to crush the supposed prophetic leader of the Jewish Scriptures (and any collaborators he may have).

It is interesting to note that when the Jewish scribes pinpoint the place where the Messiah is to be born (Bethlehem)---none of them went off with the Wise Men on their journey. Apparently, they were so lulled to sleep by the, “same ole same ole”---of religious routine that they were unmoved. Plus, the ever-present threat of Herod blowing his top---was just a bit much---even for ecclesiastical types. Most everybody was accustomed to at least, “looking like” they bowed to Herod-- in everything. When it is all said and done, you have got to decide, are you going to serve God or man? Are you going to follow the popular populist or the Christ of God? Are you going to follow in lockstep with the latest power-broker---or will Holy Scripture have the “last” word with you? Well, the Magi were the Wise Men---and Herod ended up on the rubbish heap of human history. As Dr. Sproul used to say, in this text you have got the big king and the little king---and the big king is not the one the World thinks is the “biggest.” We all need to pledge our allegiance to the greatest King of ALL---and let the tin pot Herod’s fall by the wayside.

Some matters quite telling:

----long journeys are not so long---when Christ is at the end / His purposes & truth

---tyrants are not so big---alongside the Christ of God / they get smaller and smaller

---the Wise Men paid a price to have their soul enriched---it always costs something to “know” Christ better / it is worth the investment

---somebody always wants the World to be perceived as dominant---the Followers of Christ know that HE and eternity--- matter most

---the Christ of Heaven really loves You---and HE is the Christ ---You will see sooner than You might imagine---in power and great glory

HYMN

What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing:

Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.

Why lies he in such mean estate, where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christians, fear; for sinners here, the silent Word is pleading.

Nails, spear shall pierce him through; the cross be home for me, for you:

Hail, hail the Word made flesh, the babe, the son of Mary.

TRADITIONAL ENGLISH CAROL

Adapted by William C. Dix, ca. 1865

PRAYER

Come down, O love divine,

Seek thou this soul of mine,

And visit it with thine own ardor glowing.

O Comforter, draw near, within my heart appear,

And kindle it, thy holy flame bestowing.

Let holy charity

Mine outward vesture be,

And lowliness become mine inner clothing;

True lowliness of heart, which takes the humbler part,

And over its own shortcoming’s weeps with loathing.

And so, the yearning strong,

With which the soul will long,

Shall far outpass the power of human telling;

For none can guess its grace, till he become the place

Wherein the Holy Spirit makes his dwelling.

Bianco da Siena (1350-1399)

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason