Epiphany, January 8, 2012
Matthew 2:1-12

The "Magi" were from Media in Persia in modern day Iran. From the word "Magi" comes the English word "magic." They were a group of astrologers, priests, and scholars. That is why they are often called "The Wisemen." As they were observing the stars, they noticed an unusual phenomenon which they interpreted to mean that a new king had been born in Judea. And they decided to go off on an adventure to see the new king. It would be like modern scholars and scientists trying to prove a new theory. So they go off to the mountains, deserts, or even space. Likewise, the Magi had to follow the star. And this was what the reputation of the Magi was. So it not surprising that they took the journey. Modern astronomers can not identify what "star" they saw. It was something special because with the appearance of the star was the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to lead them to Judea. Yes, the Holy Spirit was working in those pagan Magi.

When studying the stars, astronomers use telescopes. When you first look through the telescope, the image is fuzzy. But after you focus in on what you want to see, it becomes clearer. And so it was with the Magi. At first they had a fuzzy image. They knew that Jesus was to be born in Judea, so they first went to the palace of King Herod. And then the Jewish priests and scholars helped them focus their search. The focus was made clear by the word of scripture. They found the scripture that said that the Christ was to be born in Bethlehem in Judea (Mt.2:5, Micah 5:2).

Their fuzzy idea was made clear by the Word of God, and the focus was set on Jesus Christ. And then they could find the new King and were overjoyed! And then bowing down and worshiping the Child, they gave their gifts to the Child, gold, frankincense and myrrh. Gold is a good gift for a king. Incense is a good gift for a priest who uses it in worship and in sacrifice to forgive sin. And myrrh is like a perfume that is used in embalming, and so it points to Jesus' death on the cross. Jesus is King, Priest, and Sacrifice, so the gifts were appropriate.

The Magi followed the star and found Jesus. What do we follow and what do we find? Many people first get interested in church because of some star-like attraction. Maybe they like music and pizza parties and good times with Christians. Maybe they are looking for peace or health. Maybe they are looking for the answers to the great questions of life. Maybe they are looking for love. But if a person only gets as far as Jerusalem and doesn't get to Bethlehem, they don't find the real goal of the search. The Wisemen found Jesus when it was revealed to them in the Word of God. We too find Jesus when it is revealed to us in the Word of God. That is why we read and study the Bible, so that we can find Jesus for our lives. That is why we say a prayer before we do something, so that we can keep focused on Jesus.

When our lives are fuzzy, we need to focus. When we feel that we can't control our lives, we need to get a clear picture. There are a lot of things in the world that claim to be able to show us the way to a good, happy life. Everything from drink and drugs to TV and toys; food and fashion; games and gambling; sports and schooling; home and family; work and play; therapy and yoga. Many of these things are nice, but they cannot get our life into complete focus. Only Jesus can do that. If we try anything else, we run the danger of violating the first commandment: "You shall have no other gods. What does this mean? We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things." And when we trust completely in God above all things, we will find the clear picture for our lives.

We will find that answer to life's questions in the same place that the Wisemen did, namely, in the Word of God. No, you will not find out which stocks to buy, but the Ten Commandments will tell you how to be honest in business. No, it will not tell you whom to marry, but it will lead you to know what love is and how to honor marriage and respect other people. The Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the rest of the Bible, lead us to know God and how to live. And so the Gospel first points to Jesus and his death on the cross. When we focus clearly on the cross, we see where the Babe of Bethlehem was going to go. And we see clearly the love and sacrifice of God.

We can see the love of God, because first he sees and loves us. The Almighty God loves each of us and wants to show himself to us. The star of Bethlehem, the star on our Christmas tree, the love in our hearts, the Good News on our lips will lead many people to find Jesus.

If you look into a telescope backwards, things look very small and far away. Sometimes God seems that way: far away and removed from our lives. But, at that time, perhaps God is looking from the proper end and is looking into our hearts and minds. And when he sees our faith, trust, and prayers, he shows his love, he gives forgiveness, and he gives guidance.

Amen.

Michael Nearhood, Pastor
Okinawa Lutheran Church

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