JMA Missions Mid-Month December 2024
December Mid-Month Missions Christmas Edition!
Matthew 2:1-2, 1"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, 2saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."
The theological implications of the Maji is both mysterious and astounding!
It is unknown who these men were, how many there were, where they came from, or exactly what was that star they saw. The most reasonable theory (imo!) that I've found is that they were descended from a group of men in Babylon that were trained by Daniel (reference Daniel 2:48).
Daniel went to Babylon as a young man, and he never left; he died as a very old man. His reputation as a wise man, an interpreter of dreams and signs, the legendary testimonies of how God acted on his behalf, his years as a trusted King's counselor would easily be enough to create an interest among men to want to become his student and disciple. The legend is that he taught his disciples to be watching for the fulfillment of the prophetic word given to him by Gabriel (ch9).
We know from Daniel ch2 that he had a copy of the prophesies of Jeremiah. Since Ezekiel was in captivity with him, it is safe to assume they were able to share with each other what the Lord was saying. The works of Isaiah and Micah were available for some years before the captivity, both books being full of Messianic prophesies.
From those prophetic books, Daniel was able to piece together what would happen.
He calculated the time frame (Daniel ch9, 69 weeks of years from the proclamation to rebuild Jerusalem, Messiah will walk into Jerusalem, the decree was given in 457bc, Ezra 7:11-26).
He knew his disciples should be looking for a baby, but not an ordinary baby. This baby was born King.
Isaiah 9:6-7, 6"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this."
Daniel knew from the words "Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace", which connected to his own vision in Daniel 9:25, "Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince...." Prince of Peace...Messiah the Prince. And further, Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." God with us. There are many more prophetic connections, but they all agree, the Babe that was to come, the Messiah, the Son of David, the Mighty God who is "God with us" all point to one conclusion: a divine King will be born in Israel.
And so, Daniel prepared his team of wise men, instructed them, and made sure that they maintained and passed down the knowledge to future generations concerning the prophetic hope of all nations. And in demonstration of the faithfulness of God, at the right time, He showed a star which they followed to Jerusalem.
"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."
Jesus is the King! And our only right response is to worship Him! Let's set our hearts to make sure that He is King of the season, and God with us!
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