How far would you go to be with Jesus?
This is a good Epiphany question. (Epiphany is the season after Christmas, which starts with the celebration of the Magi coming to worship Jesus.)
The Magi saw a star in the heavens that proclaimed that a King, the Messiah, had been born for the Jews. They gathered a party and left to go and pay Him homage. The journey was long: hot in the day, cold at night, dry all the time. They went to Jerusalem and sought out news of the newborn King. But their journey wasn’t done. They met with King Herod, they listened to the chief priests and scribes, they heard the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. They did not rest, they left right away. The Star they had seen went before them and led them to Jesus, and they worshipped Him. God had made it clear to them that this Baby would be the One who would save them from their sin. They thanked God with humble praise and the best gifts they could give.
How far would you go to be with Jesus?
The Magi came to Jerusalem. King Herod, the chief priests, the scribes, and all of Jerusalem heard the news that the Messiah had been born. They heard of the Star that proclaimed His birth. They knew the prophecy that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem. BUT… None of them went with the Magi to Bethlehem. The road to Bethlehem wasn’t long. They could make that in less than a day. But none of them were convinced to go. Why? Maybe they were unimpressed with the star because God showed it to the Magi, and the people in Jerusalem didn’t understand it? Maybe they were afraid of what Herod would think? Maybe they were offended that God had sent messengers from afar to them instead of speaking directly to them? Maybe…? Whatever the reason they had, it could not have been good enough to merit them missing out on Jesus.
It is heartbreaking that God’s chosen people did not accompany the Magi. When the Messiah’s birth was proclaimed, they missed out. They did not take the chance to bow the knee to worship Him. They gave Him no gifts. They missed out on the wonder and awe that God had entered our world, born as a son to the Virgin Mary. He was right there, and they were welcome in His home, but they would not go to Him.
How far would you go to be with Jesus?
Will you be like the Magi and follow the Word of God? Will you go to the place where He comes to give Himself to you – the Church, where you Hear His word and have Him in the Sacraments? He comes to give Himself to you today, just as surely as He was there in Bethlehem for the Magi that day. He promises that to you. Will you go quickly like the Magi did? Or will you stay home, like the chief priests and scribes? Will you be distracted by other things and miss the chance to hear the Word of God this Epiphany? It isn’t far to come to Church. It is closer than Bethlehem was to Jerusalem.
Here, you will hear the Word of God. Here Jesus will bless you with His gifts. Here you will learn more how He loves you. Here He will strengthen your faith. Here you will have the chance to kneel with other believers and confess to Him, and to hear Him forgive you, bless you and save you. He is not far away. Do you believe that? He is not far away.
How far would you go to be with Jesus?
This Epiphany, go with the Magi… come here… come hear His word.
In Christ,
Pastor Horn