The Journey of a lifetime - The Tale Of The Magi

Matt. 2:1-11   

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came the magi from the east to Jerusalem,  2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.  

The Magi, to put it simply, where groups of 12 who studied the stars and technology of the day. They came mainly from the east. They where some of the most knowledgeable people of their time.

We read here how the magi (NASA scientists of their day) came far from the east because of a star they had seen. This must have been some star for learned folks to travel all the way from the east, which took them 2 years at most to finally see the star rest on a house in a small town. The purpose of seeking this king was to worship Him. Now, wait a minute, scientists and worship shouldn't mix together you'll think. God doesn't have a problem with the scientific world. They only confirm God's greatness like the Magi did.

3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.  

You'll think that when someone whose birth is written in the Torah several times is fulfilled, that all Jerusalem will be happy and joyful, but it was rather the opposite. Have you ever called someone to tell them something great that happened to you and they give you a cold response? Folks who cannot be happy for you. You can imagine the wise men entering into Jerusalem thinking everyone was going to be happy about a saviour been born to fight their cause but the bible says, they were all sad. wow!!!

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

On top of all the evidence of God's birth, the chief priests and scribes also confirmed it and even quoted Micah 5:2 from the Torah to confirm the birth took place in Bethlehem of Judea. 

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.  

Herod now feels threatened and starts a clandestine operation, James Bond like, to eliminate the threat.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 

From this text, you realize that this king the wise men were talking about was no ordinary king but one who deserves worship, so he plots an assassination with a guise of also going to worship this special and unique king.

9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.  

Hear, I see God been the orchestrator of the wise men going into the Herod's palace. Because God wanted Herod to know that the real king is born. Right after they leave his palace the star appears again.

They followed the star again until it stood over where the young child was, says the bible

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 

Just imagine respected scientists jumping and screaming with joy like their favourite football team just scored a goal. When we think of scientists, we imagine stern faces and difficult formulas. Not folks that express their emotions much.

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.  

Contrary to the 3 wise men plays in our churches, Jesus wasn't a baby anymore. He was a young child. Babies don't walk. They become children when they take their first steps. So according to the age group Herod's assassins where required to kill, Jesus will have been around 2 years old by then.

In our church plays also, one mistake is that we call the Magi, 3 wise men because they gave 3 different gifts, but the bible doesn't say they were 3. Matthew assumed the reader will know who the Magi is and didn't state their number. But we know today that the Magi where mostly a group of 12 people.

But imagine it took them 2 years seeking God.

Purpose Of Seeking God

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Seeking is searching until you find. But after you find what you are looking for then what next?

According to the biblical account of these wise magi, when they saw Jesus they;

1. Rejoiced (Praise)

2. Worshiped

3. Gave

Rejoice

Instead of complaining about the wear and tear of their travels looking for a star, they rather rejoiced. I think if it was me, when the star disappeared, i would've returned home, but these wise men kept seeking. They were so convinced of this king that they went to ask another king of His where about. So after all the hustle and dangers of travelling in the 1st century, they rejoiced when the star rested on a particular child in a particular house. Their praise was recorded because their challenges to find the king made it a sacrifice of praise. So will you complain or praise. There's time for everything says the Bible. Can you replace your complaining with praise? It takes the same energy so choose wisely.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Worship

The purpose of seeking God first is to worship Him. So we see the Magis, who might not be religious or even believe in Yahweh, kneel before a child and worship Him, because a star told them so. I have always wondered if some of we Christians will worship Jesus if we saw Him in his human form back then. Because of the way that we have made Christ to be in our times (Mr Nice Guy). God deserves our worship and even scientists from the East realised that. God lives in you, so will you worship Him today?

Psalm 100:2 Worship the Lord with gladness, come before him with joyful songs.

Give

It amazes me that they gave gifts, because I will believe they didn't anticipate that their journey will take them a whole 2 years. But because the star disappeared in the middle of the trip, they would have spent more money and resources than they had budgeted. Inspite of all this, they gave gifts to God that was so worthy. Gold has the power to raise a few eyebrows. Imagine someone putting gold in the offering bowl, you'll never forget that day right? God will stretch you in your giving. Be it your time, resources or talents but especially your resources. The bible is fond of people who gave out of their need.

Godly Humility

A star represents Christ, following a star represents humility. A hymn written by Arthur S. Sullivan says it best;

Courage, brother, do not stumble,

Though thy path be dark as night;
There’s a star to guide the humble:
Trust in God and do the right.

Let the road be rough and dreary,
And its end far out of sight,
Foot it bravely; strong or weary,

Refrain

Trust in God, trust in God,
Trust in God and do the right.

It takes humility and attention to detail to spot a particular star.

Godly humility is following Christ. That is denying yourself, carrying your cross and following Him. Matthew 16:24

The Magi following a star is like you following Christ. A star in the sky can be a hit and miss sometimes. And people observing will think you are crazy for leaving family, friends and going on a seeking (christian) journey following a star, they'll say; a star!!!! I guess atheists will never understand.

And when the star seems to disappear, we don't all pack our bags and go home. But we keep seeking and pressing on. Its because faith in God is not through our sight. 2 Cor. 5:7

When the star reappears they didn't doubt if they should follow it. This point is for those who loose their faith and are in a restoration process. As Christ (star) reappears in your life again, believe in Him and cling to Him.

John 15:7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will[a] ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

As the lead pastor of God Center International Church in Ijburg Amsterdam in The Netherlands, I always recommend a daily reading diet for people who are been restored in Christ. Because Jesus said "if my word abides in you".

When the star rests, they rejoice. Sometimes folks wonder why all the fanfare about Christianity (star). But we know how far God has brought us, and how we had to trust Him in the storm and the rain. We rejoice because God is a covenant keeping God who will always bring us to our destination.

I pray that your faith is strengthened in Christ Jesus who was born and also died to bring us so close to Himself.

Remember there is a star (Jesus) to guide the humble so trust in Him.

People (Herod) will fail you but Jesus (star) will never fail you. When it seems like the star has disappeared, He appears again to light your path.

So stay strong in Christ.

And please keep me and God Center International Church in your prayers.

I preached this message at church on the 22 December 2013.

5 Types Of Fools - According To Kings David & Solomon

In the Old Testament, the word fool is actually a translation of five different Hebrew words that reflect subtle differences in “types” of fools. Unfortunately, the English translation makes it more difficult to identify the characteristics of five types of fools, but with a careful search of Scripture these differences can be distinguished.

Wise counselors—parents, pastors, friends, spouses—need to understand the progression of rebellion that is reflected in the Bible’s description of fools. If you learn to perceive the characteristics of a simple fool, silly fool, sensual fool, scorning fool, and steadfast fool, you will be equipped to identify and respond to such fools with wisdom and discernment.

Five Types of Fools

simple, silly, sensual, scorning, and steadfast fools

1.  The Simple Fool

The Hebrew word for “simple [fool]” is pethîy (peth-EE). The root word from which it is derived, pâthâh, implies extreme vulnerability, literally meaning “to be opened up.” The simple fool opens his mind to any passing thought and opens his arms to any passing stranger. In other words, he lacks discernment. He has an over-simplified view of life and fails to recognize the cause-and-effect sequences that affect every area of life. (See Proverbs 22:3.)

Because the simple fool is not discerning, he is easily captivated by all kinds of enticements and deceptions. He is dangerously immature, extremely gullible, and intensely curious. In the absence of instruction and consistent discipline, the simple fool will naturally become more foolish. A simple fool is especially vulnerable to seduction, lacking an understanding of the irreversible consequences of moral failure. (See Proverbs 7:6–7.)

The Proverbs provide instruction for the simple fool: “The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel … give subtlety to the simple [pethîy], to the young man knowledge and discretion” (Proverbs 1:4).

Scorning fools will seek out simple fools and try to become their heroes. Therefore, to protect simple fools from the destructive influence of the scorning fool, it is critical to bring swift correction to scorning fools. “Smite a scorner, and the simple [pethîy] will beware …” (Proverbs 19:25).

2.  The Silly Fool

The Hebrew word that refers to a “silly fool” is ’eviyl (ev-EEL). Its definition is “to be perverse, silly.” The mouth of a silly fool often gets him in trouble. “Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish [’eviyl] is near destruction” (Proverbs 10:14; see also Proverbs 20:3). When things go wrong for a silly fool, he becomes angry, resulting in more damage. “A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s [’eviyl] wrath is heavier than them both” (Proverbs 27:3).

A silly fool believes that his own way of thinking is right (see Proverbs 12:15), so much so that he reacts to instruction when it is offered: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools [’eviyl] despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7; see also Proverbs 10:21). Argument, persuasion, and advice from well-meaning friends fail to convince silly fools of error. Proper correction by authorities, which publicly shames the silly fool, will more often be effective in helping him change his ways. (See Proverbs 29:9 and Proverbs 7:22.)

3.  The Sensual Fool

One who rejects the correction of parents or other authorities will become a sensual fool. This type of fool is identified in Scripture with the Hebrew word kecîyl (kess-EEL), which means “fat, i.e. stupid or silly.” The word denotes a person who seems determined to make wrong choices. He does not have a mental deficiency, but rather rejects the wisdom of God.

The sensual fool’s focus is on that which brings him immediate pleasure. He glories in that of which he should be ashamed. “It is as sport to a fool [kecîyl] to do mischief … ” (Proverbs 10:23; see also Proverbs 13:19–20).

A sensual fool is unreasonable. As a silly fool, his mouth got him into trouble. Now, as a sensual fool, his mouth gets him into more trouble. “A fool’s [kecîyl] lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes [blows]. A fool’s [kecîyl] mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul” (Proverbs 18:6–7).

Scripture gives more warnings about the sensual fool than about any other type of fool. His motives and methods are subtle. He should be avoided, because those who follow him will be led astray. “… A companion of fools [kecîyl] shall be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20). Severe punishment is prescribed for the sensual fool: “A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s [kecîyl] back” (Proverbs 26:3, see also Proverbs 19:29).

4.  The Scorning Fool

The Hebrew word that denotes a “scorning fool” is lûwts (LOOTS). It means “to make mouths at, i.e. to scoff.” The scorning fool’s facial expressions communicate the disdain and contempt he has in his heart toward his authorities, including parents, civil authorities, and God.

This type of fool not only has rejected truth; he also has embraced that which is abominable to God. Psalm 1:1 describes the progression of foolishness, referring to a man who first walks “in the counsel of the ungodly,” then stands “in the way of sinners,” and finally sits “in the seat of the scornful [lûwts].” The scorning fool utterly detests people and ideas that contradict his false thinking, and he expresses his scorn through derisive attitudes, behavior, and speech.

The scorning fool turns a deaf ear to rebuke: “A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner [lûwts] heareth not rebuke” (Proverbs 13:1; see also Proverbs 14:6). Those who attempt to lead the scorning fool away from the path of destruction that he seems determined to follow will suffer his wrath. “A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise” (Proverbs 15:12). “He that reproveth a scorner [lûwts] getteth to himself shame: … Reprove not a scorner [lûwts], lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee” (Proverbs 9:7–8).

A scorner must be punished—for his own sake and for the sake of those whom he can potentially influence. “Smite a scorner [lûwts], and the simple [pethîy] will beware … ” (Proverbs 19:25). “When the scorner [lûwts] is punished, the simple [pethîy] is made wise … ” (Proverbs 21:11; see also Proverbs 22:10).

5.  The Steadfast Fool

The most dangerous type of fool is a steadfast fool. The Hebrew word nâbâl (naw-BAWL), which means “stupid, wicked,” identifies this type of person. Elsewhere in the Old Testament, nâbâl also is translated as vile person.

A steadfast fool totally rejects God and His ways. “The fool [nâbâl] hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good” (Psalm 14:1). This type of fool is self-confident and close-minded. He is his own god, freely gratifying his lower nature. It is his goal to draw as many others as possible into his evil ways. Attempts to reprove him will be futile and bring frustration to the one who tries to influence him. Only God can successfully reprove a steadfast fool.

Choose Wisdom; Reject Foolishness

In Proverbs 1:22, wisdom declares: “How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you. I will make known my words unto you. … The turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Let us heed this declaration and “walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15; see also Proverbs 1:7, 3:35).

WHY ME - DEALING WITH CHALLENGES

I keep asking myself. Why where lions and bears attacking David in the fields while he was shepherding the sheep at his young age?

Imagine, with all the other shepherds in Bethlehem, David was the one who had to deal with lions and bears. The other shepherds might even call him "bad-luck" or something on that line. He might be asking himself, "why me, of all the shepherds in Bethlehem, why is it that I have to fight lions". Remember he was only a teenage boy. Sometimes it's annoying to realize that in your circle of friends, family or colleagues, you have a problem that can make you seem ungodly, a sinner or even an unfortunate human being.

Was God training him for goliath with dangerous animals?

We read further how the whole nation of Israel is faced with a Goliath (big) problem and everyone is afraid and hiding. And it gets to a point where its only a 16/17 year old boy who has some balls to stand up to this guy (Goliath). Imagine a teenager solving a national problem. Like a teenager who has an answer to our current economic crisis that actually works. That'll be huge, right?

David felt ready because;

1. he trusted God.

2. he had become an expert in taking out dangerous lions and bears.

3. He couldn't imagine God's army been defiled. He understood the nature of God.


Which teenager have you ever heard fight lions or bears? These are wild animals you don't mess around with. But David somehow had an urge to fight them. What is that problem in your life that you have an urge to solve? That problem that seems to happen to only you or you seem to be the only one who spots it?

David didn't accept his supposed fate of letting lions and bears take his sheep and goats. What have you allowed your enemies or circumstances to take from you again and again and again?

There is a fight in you. So fight back

Maybe your fight is to raise your kids whiles working 2 jobs, or dealing with a loss, working with folks you don't like, or even just about every situation that makes your mouth shake with fury or cry in agony.

You might be fighting some lion and bear situations in your life and you want to give up. Maybe you have even lost some battles. But be strong my brother and sister. Look ahead. God is not wicked, He is only preparing you for victory.

It will be presumptuous to explain in simple terms human pain and suffering. But sometimes I am thankful I had to go through some stuff and overcome a few. Because it definitely prepared me for the next battles and the next and the next. Sometimes the answers to our prayers is God's supposed silence or a plain no or even worse, close pals turning around on you in times of need.

He said he will be with me when I go through the fire and the storms. At the time of darkness, we don't even feel loved by our spouse, close family or friends, how then can we feel God's presence. It's tough! But he said he is with us. God never lies. It reminds me of the 3 Hebrew boys who where cast into the fiery furnace of Babylon. At that moment they didn't see the fourth person, it was the people watching them burn who saw the fourth person. Sometimes its like that in our lives. Everyone sees God's hand in our lives whiles we ourselves don't. At the time, it doesn't remotely seem God is there.

Can you imagine David having to fight Goliath without first fighting the lions and bears? Your victory is linked to your struggles. So I pray Lord, help us to develop an over-comers attitude.

In school you get a lesson then a test. But in life you get a test then a lesson.

No pain no gain.

Take the negative positively.

You have been positioned for certain challenges in life.

So the next time you go like "why me", think "why not me".

I recommend crying, wailing and allowing grief but after some point don't stay there. Get back up again. I'm learning not to be afraid of failure or falling, I somehow embrace it as part of my humanness. Me alone, I'm limited and frail, but with God I can do all things.

Are you a victim or a victor?

God Bless His Word. AMEN!!!

Berima Amo
Lead Pastor
God Center International Church
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
www.godcenter.church

The Adopted Nature Of The Human Heart - SIN

We hate to be told that man is a sinner. Nothing so insults man's pride. We have tried desperately to find other words like error or nature, absence of good, false concept of mind-to explain the sin of man. Turning to depth psychology, we attempt to dismiss sin as the result of inner conflicts, inhibitions, or a battle between the "id" and the "super ego". These concepts only serve to remind us that engulfing human nature is a tragic, threefold enstrangement by which man is seperated from himself, his neighbors and his God. There is a corruption in man's will. 


When we lay our lives bare before the scrutiny of God, we admit that though we know the truth, yet we lie; we know how to be just, yet we are unjust; we know we should love, yet we hate; we stand at the juncture of the high road, yet we deliberately choose the low road. All we like sheep have gone astray. Man collectivized in the group, the tribe, the race, and the nation often sinks to levels of barbarity unthinkable even among animals. We see the tragic expression of an immoral society in the doctrine of the wealthy 1% which plunges millions into the abyss of exploitation. Man is a sinner in need of God's forgiving grace. This is not deadening pessimism; it is Christian realism. 


Men and women convinced of the supremacy of Christ Jesus, continued to proclaim the gospel until even everyone in Caesar's household were convinced, until jailers dropped their keys, until kings trembled on their thrones. The early christians out-thought, out-lived and out-died everyone else. When they entered a town, the power structure became disturbed. Their new gospel brought the refreshing warmth of spring to people whose lives had been hardened by the long winter of traditionalism. They deemed it honorable and a privilege to die for Christ and in so doing, selflessly changed the world. 

Written By Martin Luther King Jr.
From his book - Strength To Love

Smiles That Strengthen

Smiling is a universal gesture. It says, We are one, We belong together, I approve of you, I love you, You make me happy, I'm pleased, etc.

I have been a dad for 6 years now, so I'm still learning. In dadland, I realised I underestimated how I will feel in situations. So I have learnt not to be legalistic but rather be flexible.

Since last year, I decided among other things that anytime I wake them up in the morning, or pick my kids up from school, I will meet them with a smile. And before you continue reading, know that I don't have a smiling face. I have one of those faces that is serious looking by default. Constructing a smile is work.

I imagined it was going to lift them up and make them happy to see me. What I didn't think was how it lifted their confidence and boosted their moral. And I see that just the fact that I'm happy with them, they believe they can conquer the world. It's actually showing in their school performance and general character. I realised they react to my emotions. They pick up signals really quick.



The bible say, "The joy of the Lord (owner) is my strength". So when God is happy with me, then I'm strengthened. Like a child in the presence of her happy father, she feels secured, empowered and protected.

I have been thinking lately of things that strengthen me when I feel stretched and tired. And I found Nehemiah 8:10 taking a whole new meaning in me. My children feel like heaven anytime we are playing together. I realised my smile is very powerful and can shape their whole day.

God is happy with you. He loves you very much. He's not waiting for you to make a mistake so He can punish you. He want's you to know he's cheering for you every single day of your life. In good times and also the bad times. Your trials and mistakes is not an indication that God is not with you. He's not impressed or surprised by your faults.

Jesus said "without me you can do nothing". Connect to Jesus. He loves and cares for you. There's nothing a good father or mother won't do for their kids. Same with Jesus, and even more. Because he desires a relationship with His children, He died for you to remove every obstacle. Call on Jesus right now and begin a wonderful walk with your heavenly father. He cares for you.

Like a little girl who gets a smile from daddy and it changes her world. God is smiling on you. So move forward with your purpose and dreams. Though you might weep today, but you'll get there.

God's got your back big time. I love Kirk Franklin's song called Smile. We don't smile because we are being positive or overlooking our situation. We smile because God is on our side. As long as we get busy with our life's work, he will bless it.

Nehemiah 8:10b (NIV)
This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Remember, God is smiling on you. So smile back.

Praying In The Morning

I dare you to speak to God each morning.

some reasons; 
1. it reminds us the real reason we are alive.
2. Jesus took morning prayer serious.
3. It shapes your day.
4. protection (like a film crew, we don't see them in the movie but they are crucial to the movies success)

You dont need to be a prayer warrior (sorry if some of us have scared you with our prayers, I'm still repenting from this-Jesus never said a big prayer in public). Just start by thanking God, asking the Holy Spirit to lead your way.

I know you feel tired already in the morning, but you'll go to work anyway, so why not speak to your maker first.

For a fresh morning, eating lots of greens the previous night will help. Have a heavy lunch and light supper. dont know why but it works.

Walking with the Holy Spirit means inviting him. Actually thats the only way he abides in us, when we ask him to.


Psalm 57:8, Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn! (David called his musical skills his glory and he commands it to praise God before Dawn)

Mark 1:35, And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

Psalm 5:3, O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.