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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

TODAY'S BARGAINOMICS BIBLE PASSAGE

And now we come to Psalm 72:10-11, which says: “May the kings of Tarshish and the coasts and islands bring tribute, the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. And let all kings bow down to him” (HCSB).

Now let’s look at the New Testament’s correlating passage: “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.’ When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born. ‘In Bethlehem of Judea,’ they told him, ‘because this is what was written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah: because out of you will come a leader who will shepherd My people Israel.’ Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship him.’ After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was – the star they had seen in the east! It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed beyond measure. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:1-11).

The “wise men” quoted to Herod from Micah 5:2: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah: because out of you will come a leader who will shepherd My people Israel.”


Notice that the Matthew passage tells us that the family was now living in a “house.” Jesus was most likely a toddler by this time. These wealthy kings had started out in search of a newborn and found Him only because they stuck to the journey.


What hadn’t these men done? Worried about who was running their kingdoms while they were away. Fretted because their families and subjects might think they were nuts for putting so much time into such a preposterous presentation – they were, after all, bowing down to a BABY. They were paying homage to a poor family’s Child.


Ridiculous? Definitely – to those who saw with earthly eyes only. But for those with spiritual vision, they saw and recognized the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! These “wise men” are forever remembered as those who fulfilled Old Testament prophecy as they “offer[ed] gifts… and… bow[ed] down to” Jesus.


Big lesson for us here, folks. The “wise men” weren’t called “wise” without reason: They knew the writings of the prophets, and because of this, they were in the right place at the right time. And when God gave them a sign to follow, they were obedient and followed it – and we’re not talking about an overnight train ride.


Maybe there’s a passage of the Bible that’s been speaking to you. You may have that same passage pop up on every turn until you get His Message. And if that’s not enough, He may even send some very significant signs and pointers for you to follow.


You don’t have to doubt and you don’t have to wonder. If you’re hearing or sensing a leading to do anything that fully aligns with God’s Word, it sure ain’t the devil talking.

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