Matthew 2:1-12

 Matthew 2.1-12

Missing the point is easier than we might think. In this passage we have Herod deep in darkness and evil. We have the Magi, wise and seeking. But we must not miss the Chief Priest and scribes, people who knew the scriptures. Herod was on bad terms with the Sanhedrin, nevertheless there were at least some leaders he could talk to for answers. They knew the scriptures, but did they recognize the Christ? The religious elites were so infected with the system of power and privilege that even though they could know where the Messiah would be born it made no personal difference for them. All they had was information that was only useful to curry favor and advance their cause. It did not draw them close to God.

From Jerusalem to Bethlehem was less than 5 miles. Verse 6 indicates that they were aware of the predictions, that they had the information concerning the facts of the Messiah’s birth. But they made no effort to find the Christ child for themselves. Were they unaware of Herod’s intent? They certainly knew his character. The religious institution, with its magnetism, pulled them so powerfully that they missed the Messiah. There were functions that had to be performed. There were meetings to attend. There were matters, important and trivial, that did not allow them to see the questions about the Christ as anything more than an academic pursuit.

May God grant us the grace that in our study of the Bible, our work in the faith community, our conversations about God, our frustrations and joys in congregations that we never miss our Lord. In our conversations with the Herods of our world may we never miss the Messiah.

Matthew 1:18-25

 Matthew 1.18-25

Matthew begins laying out a very careful argument that Jesus is the Messiah. First he does so with the genealogy that began this chapter now he turns to the connection of Joseph, Mary and the conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Matthew moves from the natural, Joseph’s reaction to Mary’s pregnancy, to the supernatural, the revelation of what happened and who Jesus was to be.

There are two characteristics of Jesus that would be desirable in anyone’s life. First, he was a “righteous man”, a man who kept the law, who loved the law, a law-abiding man. The high priority in Jewish life for the Law was expressed in faithful conformity to the law, not just knowledge of it. Second, he was a kind man. He could have divorced Mary in public humiliation. In a small town that would have been very harsh and difficult for Mary. By all natural expectations that would be the very best that Mary might expect. Joseph’s willingness to radically adjust his life and expectation at the call of God was formed by his love for the Word of God and his kind heart.

It is worth noticing the “fear not” context in this passage. Typically, when an angel commands, “Fear not,” it is understood as, “Don’t be afraid of me,” but in this case the message is. “Don’t be afraid of the circumstances”. The angel says, “Don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” This would not protect them from the social stigma. Joseph’s reputation as a “righteous man” would certainly take a hit. The external circumstances would not be made easier. It would, however, quiet the inner storm and when we are at peace with God and at peace within we are more able to deal with the conflicts of life.

"Lord, help me to Love the Word, Be Kind, and fear no circumstance. AMEN"

Matthew 1:1-17

Matthew 1:1-17

Matthew begins with a “book of the beginnings”. Jesus will be presented by Matthew as the new beginning or the new creation. The language in this passage is reflective of other ‘beginnings’ specifically Genesis 2:4 and 5:1. Matthew moves from Abraham to Jesus but notes critical mile markers or turning points. First is Abraham the true embodiment of what it means to be Jewish. Second is David the Great whose descendant would be called the “son of David”. This title will be a major Messianic title in the book of Mathew. Third the exile from which Israel would need a rescue. This picture of exile and rescue would find their ultimate fulfillment in the Christ. In these three cycles Matthew is more interested in communicating the great truth of who Jesus was and what He would do than providing a genealogical record.

The cycles have run their course and the time has come for the new beginning. The promise made to Abraham is finally being fulfilled, but in a most unexpected way. In the exile Israel came close to extinction. Israel that reached its zenith during the time of David and Solomon could not, during the age of the exile, be described as the sands of the seashore. And since the return from the exile Israel was little more than a backwater vassal state for empires. It was time for a turning, for a radical new direction. The promise to Abraham was being encapsulated in the Messiah. From the outside there may have been no indication that the time had come. The generations converge on Jesus, the years converge on Jesus and from the outside they appeared to be noteworthy only because they were so unremarkable.

The work-a-day could not know it was coming.

The political structure was unaware of what God was doing or what part it would play.

The people, with few exceptions, didn’t perceive that anything exceptional was happening.

We never know when God is about to do something remarkable. The great things of God are at work even if we do not see them at work. But we can live in such a way that when the movement of God is manifest we are ready to join in His great work.

Trophies

I enjoy fooling around with online auctions.  Doing this you can, from time to time, find great deals, find hard to get items, and learn some life lessons.  I happened across a life lesson this morning.  It came in an estate auction.  Typically an estate auction is where someone has passed away and those who are responsible have to deal with all their stuff. In this specific auction there was a lot of hunting and fishing gear.  I mean a lot.  I am attracted to hunting and fishing gear in auctions.  So I began to look and discovered whoever this was they were really into fishing and hunting.  There were about 140 lots in this auction dedicated to fishing, hunting, and related activities.  Some lots contained a bundle of rods, a number of bait buckets, some rare guns, a boat, a motor and on and on.

One of the lots struck me in a different way.  It was a large box of trophies in the form of wall plaques.  These commemorated fishing tournament victories, some dating back nearly 40 years.  It was a lifetime of work and effort and time put into the science and art of catching fish.  No telling how many trophies were in the box.  One has to wonder how many events this person fished and didn't bring home the hardware.  I can tell you with a high degree of confidence there was a massive commitment in terms of time, money, effort and skill to accumulate this much stuff and all these trophies.  I can also tell you 9 days into the auction and no one cares about their success, as evidenced by the fact no one has bid on the trophies yet.  Currently you can place a bid for $3 and very likely win the lot.  A lifetime of commitment and adulation isn't worth three bucks.  

Sportsmen are not the only ones who do this.  I had a friend who, from the 1960's to the 1980's, raced motorcycles.  He was good.  His shop was full of trophies and framed copies of bike magazines with his picture on the cover. The investment again was massive.  Bowlers, bicyclist, marshal artist, musicians are other folks I have known who do the same thing. Not all trophies represent our hobbies and recreations.  Some trophies to success are made of brick and mortar, some have wheels and nice leather.  People talk about a trophy wife, husband or kids which can also be a testimony to success in a given endeavor.  Even working for a good reputation among our peers is a trophy of sorts.  We all have trophies we want or at least consider desirable.  

As I thought about this auction and this box of trophies a couple of thoughts came to mind.  First we always put the trophies in a box and get rid of them, even if that box is called a coffin. My second thought was "What trophies am I trying to collect?"  I also thought of paraphrasing a passage from Jesus' sermon on the Mount:  

“Do not collect for yourselves trophies to hang on the wall, but will some day be put in a box and sold at auction cut rate to a stranger. But collect for yourselves trophies in heaven, where you can enjoy them forever and ever."

New Year and a New Blog

 To whom it may concern.

Each morning I am posting a devotional taken from a passage of the Gospels.  Over the course of the year we will cover the four Gospels with 300 hundred individual devotions.  May I suggest that you subscribe to One year with Jesus.

Charlie's Challenge 11.26.23

  Charlie’s Challenges: Extras for the sermon 

Learning Exercise: Trigger Warning you may not like Rev 17-19

Who is the richest person you have ever met?  

Have you ever met a rich person who treated the people around hIm/her well?  What happened?

Have you ever met a rich person who treated the people around hIm/her badly?  What happened?

What is your favorite story about a hero coming to the rescue?

Who was the most beautiful bride (husbands include the line ‘besides your wife’) you have ever seen?  What made her beautiful? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_cVXdr8mVs

https://youtu.be/K-1kPgVowZI?si=Fs00T2ybE8QvaX6M

Charlie's Challenge: 11/19/2023

Charlie’s Challenges: Extras for the sermon 

Learning Exercise: Fun Facts about the Rapture 

In this learning exercise we will learn things about “Rapture Theology” you may not have known. This is not a test but a fun way to learn.  Working with the people nearest you select what you believe is the ‘best answer’.  

In which century did the doctrine of the “Pre-tribulation Rapture” of the church develop?  

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th

Who was the source of a ‘pre-tribulation rapture of the church’ understanding of Revelation?

A) Jesus, B) Pope Vennerus IV, C) Paul the Apostle, D) Martin Luther, E) John the Apostle, F) John Calvin, G) Margaret McDonald, H) John Darby

In what translation of the Bible do we first find the term ‘Rapture’?

A) Vulgate A.D. 382, B) Textus Receptus A.D. 1516 C) King James Bible A.D. 1611, 

D) Scofield Reference Bible A.D. 1909 E) New International Version A.D. 1978

Dispensational pre-tribulation rapture of the church was the result of the study of:

A) Hebrew O.T.  Scriptures, B) Greek N.T. Scriptures, C) Hebrew and Greek Scriptures, D) Latin translations of Scriptures, E) English translations of Scriptures

The dispensational pre-tribulation rapture of the church is the majority opinion of: 

All Christians today

The Roman Catholic Church

The Orthodox Church

Protestant churches

Evangelical churches

None of the above.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_cVXdr8mVs

https://youtu.be/K-1kPgVowZI?si=Fs00T2ybE8QvaX6M

If there is no punishment can there be justice?  Why do you believe that to be the case?

What effect would Revelation 15-16  have/had on Christians under intense persecution?