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Given the holiday season, I thought it might be nice to repost this article from a couple years back. It actually raises a pretty profound question every believer should spend at least a few moments contemplating...



Some time back, I heard an excellent sermon worth passing on to our FAST community. Not only was it appropriate for the Christmas season, but it touched on one of the most curious incidents recorded in the Bible related to the birth of Jesus. I've contemplated the story many times myself. Here's the key passage:

Matthew 2:1-6
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men 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. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 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.


If you read the story carefully, you will notice there are three main nationalities represented.

First, you have the Wise Men from the East. Most likely they were from the region of Babylon, who were famous in the ancient world for their study of the stars. It's not clear exactly what they observed, or how they knew it foretold the birth of a Jewish King. But most likely they saw some evidence of the angelic choir that came to herald the birth of Jesus. And quite likely they were familiar with Balaam's prophecy of Numbers 24:17I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.. Connecting the two things prompted them to make their long Journey.

Second, you have the Romans, far to the West. Herod was a puppet king installed by the government of Rome, who with his legions of Roman soldiers, had been tasked with governing the province. This cruel and despotic king may not have been a stargazer, but he was alert to political whisperings about a potential rival to the throne, and quickly gathered information and implemented a plan to safeguard his throne. That plan ultimately involved sending Roman soldiers to Bethlehem to kill every male child under the age of two.

And last, you have the Jews themselves. This included both the common people who witnessed the arrival of those curious Wise Men, and the priests who were invited to come answer Herod's questions. The priests, in particular, knew the Scriptures well, and had spent their whole lives preparing for the coming of the Messiah. For centuries the Jewish nation had eagerly anticipated the event, and it had finally come.

Now here is the point that has always caught my attention: The Babylonians went to Bethlehem. And the Romans went to Bethlehem. But the Jewish priests stayed home.

“The Babylonians went to Bethlehem. And the Romans went to Bethlehem. But the Jewish priests stayed home.”

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The Babylonians had little more to go on than some strange sighting in the stars, an arcane prophecy, and a bit of speculation--but it was enough to get them there.

The Romans had little more then political whisperings and an old cryptic scroll, plus a bit of personal ambition--but it was enough to get them there too.

But the Jewish leaders? The ones with the deepest insights into the Scriptures? The ones who had been looking forward to this event their whole lives? The ones with the most to gain? They seemed to have no interest in checking things out for themselves.

According to Google, it is only six miles from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. You could walk that distance in a couple hours, and if you were in decent shape, could make it back home in a single day. It would be easy on a horse, or chariot. The greatest event in the history of the world had happened just six miles down the road--and they had no desire to learn more.

It was the exact event the Jewish nation had been raised up to proclaim--and they couldn't be bothered to check it out for themselves.

Why?

The Bible doesn't give us the exact reason. But it's quite possible they had become comfortable in their knowledge of the Scriptures. Their religious identity. Their spiritual status. They had become complacent. And as a result, they missed out on an amazing opportunity to welcome Jesus into the world.

As we head into the New Year, we need to be careful to not make the same mistake. To be comfortable. To be complacent. To miss out on opportunities to find Jesus. Or find Him more fully. Rather, we should determine to press forward in our walk with God. We should determine to climb higher! To do all we can to live our lives for God!



Comments

Why do you think the Jewish leaders failed to go to Bethlehem, when the Babylonians and Romans both went? What keeps us from seeking Jesus today? Share your thoughts in the comments below...

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Posted by Dan Vis on 12/17/21 - Coach
Nice thoughts Valerie. I'm sure it is true they had lost site of the fact God had a special plan for their nation--or they would have been more excited to see that day. Also your points about putting things off. Definitely a factor today!
Posted by Valerie Wise Burrell on 12/17/21 - Coach
Marion,
That is such a lovely thought. The Sabbath is always a time for special contemplation of Christ's first advent. I pray that I can share some special thought with my loved ones during that time.

Dan, you ask important questions regarding why the Jewish leaders failed to go to Bethlehem when the Babylonians and Romans went. I believe the answer lies in the fact that the Jews had lost sight of the Gospel. They took for granted that they had the truth for the world and instead hoarded it for themselves.

Unfortunately, it is true today.   The Gospel message of Christ's first advent, life, ministry, death and resurrection into the Heavenly Sanctuary where He is preparing for His second advent, is the urgent message for this time yet many still think there is Time.

Time is the other factor in the inaction of the Jews in Jesus' day and now. Time to give the message later. Time to study it-later. Time to change-later. Time to surrender our wills-later. We take the Bible Truth for granted so like the Jews of that day, many in the world are seeking the very Truth that they took for granted. And like the Babylonians then, there are many in spiritual Babylon who long for something better. I pray that we awake out of our slumber.
Posted by Dan Vis on 12/15/21 - Coach
That's very possible. :) So important to try and remain teachable ourself, isn't it Cindy?
Posted by Cynthia Angell on 12/15/21
maybe they were know-it-alls. Know-it-alls are not humble (teachable). they are not willing to listen to anything that is not their own idea.
Posted by Dan Vis on 12/14/21 - Coach
That's a great goal Marion! I'm scheduled to preach on Sabbath. Praying about what to share. A special opportunity!
Posted by Marion Coppock on 12/14/21
I don’t want to get to busy during this holiday season so I don’t have time to seek Jesus every day.
Christmas Day is on Sabbath this year what a wonderful day to spend time contemplating the birth of Jesus
Posted by Dan Vis on 06/14/21 - Coach
I have a whole sermon on that verse somewhere Patricia, that I've preached several times--but can't seem to find it in the archives. Anyway, definitely an interesting verse. I like how you connected it with this reading, to highlight the hard hearts of the Jewish leaders who should have been more receptive to Christ. A good caution for us today, don't you think?
Posted by Patricia K. Rogers on 06/13/21
Please let me know if you agree, Jesus said this "Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esa'ias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their hearty, and should be converted, and I should heal them," Matthew 13:13-1713 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them..
Posted by Dan Vis on 01/31/20 - Coach
Yep! No reason they couldn't have made it Tabitha. Six miles is a good morning jog. Of course then you have to spend another hour jogging back--which is different from using a treadmill!
Posted by Tabitha Phiri on 01/30/20
Six miles for sure is daily trips for many people around the world by foot. Kids walk the distance to school every day.
Posted by Dan Vis on 12/27/19 - Coach
Just days away...
Posted by Carla Phillips on 12/27/19
Love these good christian reads like going to Bethlehem and others you posted . A great way to share with others too. Count down to 2020.
Posted by Dan Vis on 12/18/19 - Coach
Excellent point Carla! If He had come in the way they wanted/expected, they would have been more likely to receive Him, I'm sure.

And yes Carole, their complacency with the knowledge they had was probably also a factor.

Good posts!
Posted by Carole Bliss on 12/17/19
I am thinking the Jewish leaders were too content with their knowledge, they may not feel they needed any more evidence. It's about relationship not knowledge,that we need more of.
BLESSINGS Carole
Posted by Carla Phillips on 12/17/19
Jesus came humbly and was born by humble parents. Maybe the leaders were expecting the Messiah to make a spectacular appearance . I believe what keeps us from seeking Jesus like we should are the cares of this world , the stress and worries of the world that keep our minds occupied
Posted by Dan Vis on 12/17/19 - Coach
You are very welcome Bartholomew.

Yes, you are exactly right Mitchelle, and the neglect of a personal relationship with God is indeed right at the heart of the problem. Let's all be wise men and women, and persevere in seeking Him...
Posted by Mitchelle on 12/17/19
Their problem is potentially our problem today. They did not have a personal relationship with God. They depended on other thing. We have the same danger today. We may be caught up in our status, or so busy we do not have time to maintain a living relationship with our God. Has they depended on God instead of other things... They would have been thrilled by the confirmation of the Wise Men. As they say... Wise men still seek Him.
Posted by Bartholomew John on 12/16/19
We sure do need it I personally really need to be revived by God's grace.Thank you for ministering to us in such profound and inspiring way.May God continue to bless guide and protect you and your team.

Bartholomew
Posted by Dan Vis on 12/16/19 - Coach
We do live in exciting times, though we don't always seem to realize it. I'm praying for a great revival among God's people Bartholomew. Let's pray for it together!
Posted by Bartholomew John on 12/16/19
This is so true hadn't heard or discovered that insight before and this is exactly what is happening in our day signs of the time are every where things are happening in rapid succession and we carry on as normal while the world is in wonderland and confused. As in the days of noe.Let us watch and be ready
Posted by Dan Vis on 12/16/19 - Coach
Yes Valerie, that's the question we all need to face! But praise God, heaven is indeed happy and even eager to help!
Posted by Valerie Wise Burrell on 12/16/19 - Coach
Dan,
You make an important point: those who had the greatest insight into the greatest event for mankind were not interested. They stayed home.
I believe there may be application for us today. We have the prophecies yet we are often not stirred into action because of "spiritual lethargy" or dare I say it-indifference!
Heaven help us!
Posted by Dan Vis on 12/29/18 - Coach
Some rather appropriate cliches Qing!
Posted by Qing Ling on 12/29/18 - Coach
a good example of how the words "so near and yet so far" applies..
can lead a horse to water but can't make it drink.
a teacher can teach a student all the information in the world, but for any growth to happen, the student needs to actually apply/act on the information.

so many reasons as to why we don't get off our comfortable seats and run to Jesus. fear, the opposite of love, is one of them.
Posted by Dan Vis on 12/25/18 - Coach
It certainly is possible they had more information Keith. Still remarkable that they were able to step out of their culture and their own beliefs. As for the Jews, numerous false messiahs may have indeed created a phenomena like crying wolf. Good points.
Posted by Dan Vis on 12/25/18 - Coach
I think you are right about us being comfortable Thérèse. We are certainly rich and increased with goods compared to the Jews 2000 years ago. But having much just means more is expected of us. That accountability means we really need to pray earnestly that God would show us how to harness all our advantages to advance His kingdom.
Posted by Keith on 12/25/18
Could the Wise Men also have had a copy of Daniel, and were looking at Daniel 9, and the timeline, since they knew by association with the Jews who remained in Babylon, and heard of the seventy-year Prophecy of the decree to rebuild Jerusalem, and had figured out the 490-year or Seventy-week Prophecy that the Birth of the Messiah was imminent? Complacency, can be similar to standing to close to a painting and missing the overall perspective.

Also, after hearing for ages of a coming Messiah, and after being under the thumbs of: the Babylonians, the Medes & Persians, the Greeks, and now the Romans; could they have begun looking at the promise of a deliverer become a myth? The Bible states that there is an apathy concerning the Second Coming,:

II Peter 3:3-43 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. KJV
[3] Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, [4] And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

Hearing about and seeing so many false messiahs come and go, has the same affect as "Peter and the Wolf;" hope wanes. But, since tomorrow is NOT promised, we should live everyday, as if it was the day of His Second Advent. For we have more than ample evidence of the faithful of Scripture, by looking historically at the accuracy of the prophetic timelines, that we are without excuse. We have the fulfillment of the 2300-hundred days, and the Second Beast of Revelation 13, "Speaking like a dragon" as never before. We know about the missed opportunity that occurred in 1888; and here we are again, displaying the same hatred regarding "Women's Ordination," as they displayed regarding "Righteousness by Faith." Unity? The perfecting of the Saints prior to probation closing on us? Are we going to allow Satan to sift us over such dribble, by becoming self-righteous against those who do not interpret Scripture according to MY VIEW? How does that stop me from hating, lusting, and worse yet, "DEMANDING MY OWN WAY" (seeks not her own)? Fighting over "RULES," while losing out on Agape Love and "The Sealing" appears to be choosing remedial behavior (Satan's Sandbox) over "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." Exposing our still needing milk, over spiritual meat; and proving we are still carnal, rather than truly converted and spiritually mature. Just my humble observation...looking at the Star in the East, or is that a cloud like a man's hand?
Posted by Thérèse Gauvin on 12/25/18
What keeps us from seeking Jesus today?

I think in our day and age, we are much more comfortable than we even realize. The 3 angels messages says to come out of Babylon. How many really come out? What are we willing to give up for Jesus?
We have even more traditions that we hold on to than the Jews had in Jesus' time, yet, knowing the truth on these traditions, we compromise, we dont really come out of Babylon, Do We??
We are just as bad as those priests in those days, we dont want to make changes,
we love Jesus,
we want everlasting life,
We say we are Christians,
but we dont want to give up what we have, nor our traditions!!
We do need to wake up and fast cause we are just as bad if not worst than those who crucified our Lord Jesus.
Posted by Dan Vis on 12/25/18 - Coach
You are very welcome Denice! So true about truth needing to sink down into our hearts.

Great post David and welcome back! :) I esp appreciated your comments about the need for periodic self-assessment, and your whole paragraph about Galatians 4:19My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,. A very powerful verse.

I'm sure you are right Samuel. We do need to keep our minds open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We can trust Him to lead His people... I didn't mention in, but I find it interesting that while the Jewish priests never went, the Jewish shepherds beat both the Babylonians and the Romans. :)
Posted by Samuel on 12/25/18
It appears that things were so usual and normal for them, that even when the time of blessings was before them they ignored it probably as we were meant to understand through the pen of inspiration, that event never fitted in to their expectations. Could it be that there are profound prophecies finding fulfilment to our very before yet we ignore them, just because that's not how we expect them.
Posted by David Jeffrey Grabe on 12/24/18 - Coach
Greetings all FAST Friends, in the Lovely Saviour's Holy Name!

My computer has been down for the past 2 days and I've missed the fellowship!
Hope and pray all are well! Thank you Pastor Dan, for this post "Going to Bethlehem" It does seem so strange that, as you said, "The ones with the deepest insights into the Scriptures? The ones who had been looking forward to this event their whole lives? The ones with the most to gain? They seemed to have no interest in checking things out for themselves."

And it is so true of God's people today, how we could fall into the same trap of missing out on God's greatest blessings & opportunities that are yet before us! It is like you stated, "we need to be careful to not make the same mistake. To be comfortable. To be complacent. To miss out on opportunities to find Jesus. Or find Him more fully. Rather, we should determine to press forward in our walk with God. We should determine to climb higher!"
It would be wise for us to cultivate an attitude of daily self-examination:

"Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know you not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except you be reprobates?(an immoral or unprincipled person) II Corinthians 13:5Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Since "the hour of His judgment has come" according to God's Angel(Revelation 14:6,7And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, . . . Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.), let us each one perform some self-assessment and invite Him to "shew us"..."what is good, and what does the LORD require of us..."(Micah 6:8He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?)

I think about what Paul said to the Galatians, "My little children, of whom I travail in birth AGAIN until Christ be formed in you."Galatians 4:19My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,(Paul had said previously, "For in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel." I Corinthians 4:15For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.) is not the LORD, in some way, shape, or fashion, "experiencing birth pangs, for us, "until He is formed(His lovely character being reproduced in us!?! Something to ponder...

O, may His word like Jeremiah,"be as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not refrain." Jeremiah 20:9Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.


O, may His Spirit be granted full access to our being, that, "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" Ephesians 4:15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.

"If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with Him in glory." Colossians 3:1-41 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

"...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith;..." Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.;Philippians 1:6Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:


A blessed Christmas to you all, in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord & Saviour!



Posted by Denice on 12/24/18
Lydia’s comment is so very true. Thank you Lydia for your thoughts. We are to live like Jesus will come any moment.
To know it in our head is to be like those Jewish leaders, we must know it in our heart, to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus.
Thank you Dan for posting this message.
Posted by Dan Vis on 12/24/18 - Coach
This is indeed an important warning and caution Lydia. Glad it spoke to you. Let's do all we can to encourage, support, and pray for one another. We ARE in the midst of momentous times--we can't afford to miss the milestones God has given us.
Posted by Lydia Gilbert-McClain on 12/24/18
Pastor Dan for thanks for sharing this post. I think that this is an example of us becoming so complacent with the truth that we know so well that there comes a point in time when we fail to recognize the significance of the truth and it fades into the background of our consciousness. The priests were able to recite the prophecy word perfect but the word was on their lips but had not made an impact in their lives. May God help us that we do not become like them; without the Holy Spirit we are in danger of falling into the same trap. We talk about the prophecies about His second coming and the nearness of His coming but we have been saying these things for so long that if we are not vigilant we will become numb to the truth of His coming and that day may catch us unawares. As Paul reminded us in I Thessalonians we are the people of the day not of the night so we must be watchful. It is easy to end up like the priests and the other Jewish people who missed Jesus's birth. Let's pray that we don't miss His Second coming.
Posted by Dan Vis on 12/24/18 - Coach
Your comment reminds me of our natural resistance to divine invitations discussed in the Hero's Journey. This memo does fit right in with that, doesn't it John?

And good connection Hazel Brereton with the Laodicean message in Revelation 3:14-1614 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.. We do need a humble and teachable spirit, don't we? Glad you enjoyed this post!
Posted by Carole Bliss on 12/24/18
Is it possible they were too content with knowledge and not in having the relationship.
Knowing the truth won't save us, knowing Jesus will.
Merry Christmas
BLESSINGS
Carole
Posted by Hazel Brereton on 12/24/18
This is a very scary thought thinking we are rich and increased in goods and have need of nothing while the Babylonians and Romans felt their need to know more. may God help and give us eye salve and most of all a humble and teachable spirit so we don't miss out on his second coming. Thanks Dan.
Posted by John Gilmore on 12/24/18
Thanks for re-posting, Dan, and for stimulating us to check our own hearts for any reluctance to seek Him. Whatever keeps us from seeking Him, may God help us to see it as the evil it is.
Posted by Dan Vis on 01/01/18 - Coach
Thanks James for the comment! Too often we go to church for what we can get out of it, rather than what we can contribute. That little adjustment makes such a huge difference!
Posted by James on 12/31/17
Yes very true, we can be very comfortable just going to fellowship and receiving and not giving to other seekers our love and understanding of the three angels message and going into the whole world . God bless . James
Posted by Dan Vis on 12/28/17 - Coach
Great point Janice! So important to realize human nature hasn't really changed and we tend towards the same mistakes of others. But by God's grace we can learn and do things differently!
Posted by Janice Hill on 12/28/17
If we do not study and remember the past, we are condemned to repeat it.
Posted by Dan Vis on 12/27/17 - Coach
It is so encouraging to see everyone's commitment to truly recognize our need (Carole), press forward (Diane) and boldly share (Zewdi). Being part of a community like this is such a blessing! Thank you everyone for sharing...
Posted by Zewdi Isaac Enbom on 12/27/17
Thank you Pr. Dan and great comments everyone. Every time I read Matthew 2:1-61 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men 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. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 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., I have always wondered why the Jews never went to check out for themselves even thou they gave the exact location to King Herod, they never bothered to check it out.

Many Christians including myself have taken our salvation for granted for many years. Until I started reading the Bible for myself later on in life (I grew up hearing sermons no Bible Study) I never questioning what was being preached, nor was curious enough to study the Word of God for myself. I Thank God for drawing me closer to Him.

May God help us to prepare for His second coming and for us to boldly share the last day events with others so that they will also be ready to meet the Lord.
Blessings
Zewdi
Posted by Diane Castanon on 12/26/17 - Coach
Loved this article, Dan! I am determine to press forward in my walk with God, and to climb higher.
Posted by Carole Bliss on 12/26/17
What concerns me, is where we are at Spiritually within our own
church. Are we focused on what is important? Are we heavenly minded, or so involved in the things of this world. Are we Laodicean? My concern we are too comfortable, and need to realize how "needy" we really are. We have the truth
are we sharing it. Do we realize how close we are? The signs are pointing clearly to HIS coming.May we draw closer in 2018, to our Lord. Keeping one another in prayer and encouraging one another.
Blessings,
Carole
Posted by Dan Vis on 12/26/17 - Coach
So many great comments everyone! I especially love your comment, Elisabeth. Amazing! If I ever repost this again, I need to work this theme into the article. You hit the nail on the head exactly. Hot, cold, lukewarm... Laodicean.

Let's all determine to make sure we have the right temperature!

I'm definitely hoping everyone will take Rocket 2018. I think it is one way to make sure we are hot on the trail of God's will for our life...
Posted by Deanna Dekle on 12/26/17
Thank you all for the great comments. May the Holy Spirit helps us seek in Spirit and in truth!
Posted by Ann Lavenburg on 12/26/17
Patricia I believe Patricia's quote is the most relevant. Pride encompasses it all. Pride makes one obtuse to all the signals around because those who are proud think they know it all. They are not open to see the faults in themselves, or to learn anything new. Pride was the problem of Lucifer, a kind of pride contributed to Eve's sin, wandering away from Adam's side, "I can do this on my own", and I have noticed that many life-long Adventists, entrenched in "the truth," cannot relate to 'newcomers' and their refreshing enthusiasm.   I believe many churches are stagnating because of Pharisaical, proud attitudes. May we all be revived, awakened out of our complacency into a new walk with Jesus!
Posted by Elisabeth T on 12/25/17
The wise men were hot on the trail to find and worship Jesus. The Romans were cold killers - but they didn't really know what they were doing. The Jews were comfortable in their lukewarm condition. They knew what to expect but somehow when the time came they weren't really ready. May we be like the wise men.
Posted by Valerie Wise Burrell on 12/25/17 - Coach
This is a timely message for this time. There is certainly a relationship to the Jews' indifference to the news of the Messiah and the current apathy, complacency that is prevalent among His professed followers today. Christine, I agree with you that these are sobering words indeed! Pam, Romans 13:11-1211 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. is on target. We/I have no time to waste. Lord, help us all!
Valerie
Posted by Christine on 12/25/17
This point of the birth of Christ which you shared Dan from the pastor's sermon is very sobering. It has to do with our deep inner motive to live for God and represent Him. Regarding the study of the Scriptures we are told that:

"These priests [at the time of the birth of the Messiah] had not searched the prophecies with an eye single to the glory of God, or with a desire to conform their lives to the high standard marked out by the prophets. They searched the Scriptures to find ancient prophecies which they could in some way interpret to sustain their lofty pride, and to show with what contempt God regarded all the nations of the world except the Jewish nation." {1Red 19.1}

In contrast:
"These men were not Jews; but they had been waiting for the predicted Messiah. They had studied prophecy [Old Testament], and knew the time was at hand when Christ would come; and they were anxiously watching for some sign of this great event, that they might be among the first to welcome the infant heavenly King, and worship him." {RH, December 24, 1872 par. 3}

I'd rather be a Gentile following Christ truly --Luke 7:9When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. re. Roman centurion-- than a disciple deluded as to my following Jesus..! Matthew 7:21-2221 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

I really appreciate these words of warning Dan!
Posted by Dan Vis on 12/25/17 - Coach
I saw a sermon online about the 6 miles to Jerusalem as well Linda. Maybe both our pastors saw it there first. Regardless, the Holy Spirit seems to be impressing several people with the importance of this incident...

Great cross references Shennel and Pam! Clearly this is a theme that pops up in several places. Like the Romans verses... :)

And a powerful quote Patricia! I think any time complacency about our spiritual condition is a form of pride--don't you think? We must determine to stay in a continual state of pressing forward.

Thank you everyone for sharing!
Posted by Patricia Jones on 12/25/17
Mrs. White says in the Desire of Ages that the priests and elders of Jerusalem had heard the report of the angel's visit to the shepherds. "Now pride and envy closed the door against the light. If the reports brought by the shepherds and the Wise Men were credited, they would place the priests and rabbis in a most unenviable position, disproving their claim to be the exponents of the truth of God. These learned teacher would not stoop to be instructed by those whom they termed heathen. . . . While God was opening the door to the Gentiles, the Jewish leaders were closing the door to themselves.
Pride and envy in our own lives, I'm sure are factors in our lack of seeking Jesus, along with being busy and comfortable. God will draw us if we don't refuse Him.
Posted by Shennel Ross on 12/25/17
This was an interesting read! Thanks for the eye opener. Just like the Jews who were so close and yet so far, we need to be careful about what we have as our priority. Sometimes we are guilty of really getting comfortable. As Revelation 3:17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: says Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. May we thirst each day for newness and a deeper walk with Christ. This is a great message to share! I would be sharing.
Posted by Linda Elliott on 12/25/17
Our pastor made this same point in his sermon this past Sabbath! And I had never thought of it before! I pray that God will awaken His people & make us aware of the time in which we’re living. We’ve been asleep too long. Jesus IS coming soon. Thank you for this important message.
Have a blessed Christmas everyone!


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