TAKE ME BACK (Part 4) (BE LIKE THE WISE MEN)

 

 

 

Welcome to Garden Ministry, where the soil of the mind is broken up, fertilized, and made ready for the toiling of the Holy Spirit.
Garden Ministry’s purpose is to encourage the workers in the field of the Lord, and to keep them looking up to Jesus.

 

This is the 106^th letter: 

Text for the day: Numbers 24:17 (King James Version)

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

                                                                                                                                                                                        

Our Theme for the day:   TAKE ME BACK (Part 4)

(BE LIKE THE WISE MEN)

 

 

 

Our Devotional

 

 

Have you ever been told something for your good more then once? How did you feel having the same thing repeated to you? Did you respond after the matter was brought to your attention the second time or did you need a third or fourth engagement? In 4004 B.C. this earth was awaken to the sound of the coming of the son of God in a humble birth in the city of David. But the news by the shepherds did not arouse the people to glorify and praise God. Instead they went back to their normal way of living, and merry making. Researchers say if you want to get people to pay attention to what you have to say, speak or write short. This is true in all areas of life.

Most of the things we do at work are in the format of an email, proposal or presentation – these documents your audience wants to get through quickly. The faster and more concisely you get to your point, the more likely your listener or reader will stick with you and understand your message. "If the president of the United States got up and addressed his nation or the world in 270 words, it'd be a top news story. People will pay more attention because he was brief. So what went wrong with the first message to the world of the birth of Jesus which causes God to send more messengers? The story of Bethlehem is an exhaustless theme. In it is hidden "the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God." Rom. 11:33.

About forty days after the birth of Christ, Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord, and to offer sacrifice. This was according to the Jewish law, and as man's substitute Christ must conform to the law in every particular. (DA 50.1) Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men, (magi, or philosophers) from the east to Jerusalem, 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. These men belonged to a large and influential class that included men of noble birth, and comprised much of the wealth and learning of their nation.

The light of God is ever shining amid the darkness of heathenism. As these magi studied the starry heavens, and sought to fathom the mystery hidden in their bright paths, they beheld the glory of the Creator. Seeking clearer knowledge, they turned to the Hebrew Scriptures. In their own land they treasured the prophetic writings that predicted the coming of a divine teacher. Entering the holy city, they go to the temple. But to their amazement they find none who seem to have a knowledge of the newborn king. Their questions call forth no expressions of joy, but rather of surprise and fear, not unmingled with contempt.

     The priests are rehearsing traditions. They extol their religion and their own piety, while they denounce the Greeks and Romans as heathen, and sinners above others. The wise men are not idolaters, and in the sight of God they stand far higher than do these, His professed worshipers; yet they are looked upon by the Jews as heathen. Even among the appointed guardians of the Holy Oracles their eager questionings touch no chord of sympathy. (DA 60 - 61)

The Bible goes on to say, “When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. But in heaven this was good trouble, this was God’s way of awakening the world again to the greatest news of the Saviour. And when King Herod had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: as it is written by the prophet, (Micah 5:2). Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 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. When they departed; lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.  

And when they were come into the house, (note not the manger were the shepherds saw Him) they….. Fell down, and worshipped him: and presented…… their treasures, they presented gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream they return not to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. Joseph was also visited by an angel in a dream, encouraging him to go into Egypt, for safety: until the death of Herod. When King Herod, heard that the wise men had gone home without telling him where Jesus was, he became very angry! He sent soldiers to Bethlehem to kill all boy babies under two years old, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. (Matthew 2:1-18) Today like it was in the day of the wise men, women are crying for their sons. Sons who are been killed by Satan, this time through drugs, guns, and immoral life style. Finally in the words of James Black who is the Director NAD YPAC Ministries, “This is a day of celebration for recognizing and honoring the gift of God’s Son.” Not that Christ was born on December 25^th; all preachers know he wasn’t. But that we celebrate the opportunity to tell all men of His birth. As servant leaders let us freely share the word of God with all we meet about the soon return of Jesus in power and great glory.

 

Join us next time for another ray of sunshine from Garden Ministry.

 

Our Prayer for today: Lord, help us be quick to listen and do your will today.     Prayer Request For a son with addictions and which is causing his family great   pain and worry.   We are into our 28th week since starting Garden Ministry; it is growing with new people asking to subscribe to it each day. If you are gaining spiritual muscle mass, and strength through Garden Ministry, and would like to help some-one else gain Spiritual muscle mass and strength also. Then send Garden Ministry your Testimony at, http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ . Garden Ministry would love to share your Testimony with our faithful viewers and readers. So ask yourselves, which letter or message from Garden Ministry helped you to hold on to your faith, or helped someone else hold on to theirs?   Remember, you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.   If you are blessed by these “uplifting gems”, share them.   These letters are written by Elder Kevin Santucci   For further information, comment or requests, E-mail Garden Ministry: http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/   Garden Ministry would love to thank you today for your prayers and continual faithfulness of sharing these letters with others like your self. Thank you for your insightful comments to Garden Ministry. If you love to leave a comment, go to our website at http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ and then comment, follow the directions and then you will be finished. Truly I am encouraged how little can become much when you place it in the master’s hand. To all our faithful readers on behalf of the Garden Ministry team, we wish you Gods riches Blessings.