12 14 07 Eternal Implications

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, in the time of King Herod, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem saying, “Where is the one who is born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 1:1-2)


I am struck an intense feeling of wonder each time I read of the visit of the “wise men” and their response to the birth of Christ; as well as the lack of response of people of Jerusalem. The magi diligently searched for the one “born King of the Jews” to worship Him with precious gifts. Herod the Great also seeks eagerly to find the child, but to kill Him! Most residents of Jerusalem however, are apparently unwilling to travel just five miles Bethlehem to witness the promised Messiah, their promised King!

As we approach the Christmas Season, what is our response to the Coming Savior? The situation is so similar isn’t it? Here we are, awaiting the (second) coming of the Messiah King. Will our response be like that of the magi, or Herod, or like the people of Jerusalem?

Will we go out of our way, searching, anticipating, preparing to worship and receive our King? Will we deny that He is our King, even participate in destroying the Message He brings; allowing prayer to be silenced, words to be erased, and books of His witness to be destroyed? Will we simply be too busy to even notice, just too apathetic and busy to care? Our response has ETERNAL IMPLICATIONS!

Our living turns our attention to the condition of our own hearts as we await the return of Messiah to the earth. It tells if we really believe the prophecy of the Bible and it also reflects our belief to those around us. If we really believe the Bible is true, should we not be living as if it is, day to day? This CHRISTmas Season could very well have ETERNAL IMPLICATIONS, for us and those we meet. This CHRISTmas Season may be one of the few times we can outwardly and comfortably express our true beliefs as we sing, speak, and decorate for the Coming King.

How far will we really go…..how far have we really come?