Post by foxjj on Jan 6, 2020 7:39:41 GMT
Why Shepherds And Kings?
It was the first week of the new year when Marge and Rose met at their favourite coffee shop in the local mall. At their last meeting, Rose had asked her friend about the importance of Christmas. Marge was eager to know how her explanation had impacted on Rose over the Christmas holidays, however, was hesitant to ask. While talking about their respected family’s Christmas’s, Rose said that she had watched some T.V. programs about the first Christmas.
Then asked: “Tell me Marge, if Jesus was born King of Israel as people say, why were shepherds the first to greet him instead of important Jewish people.”
Marge though for a moment and replied: “Now that’s a good question Rose. As you said it Is interesting that the initial visitors to the new born Messiah, which is another way of saying king, both titles refer to an anointed one, were shepherds from the fields. This demonstrates how far Israel, in part, had wandered from God. The priests in the Temple knew well the prophecy’s of the coming of Messiah, and when He did come they failed to recognize Him. Only lowly shepherds received, and believed the message of Messiah born in Bethlehem.”
Rose than asked: “So, dose that explain why the first royal visitors were strangers from the east?” Marge answered: “It’s important to understand that, although Jesus came to Israel as the promised Messiah, He was also to be The Savior for all mankind. We can see this in the way that the angels announced His birth to the Shepard’s when they sang: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’ Also in the way that God gave a sign to the wise men. Although some refer to them as kings, they were actually Magi, who were the wise men of Persia. The Gospel of Matthew says that these Magi travelled to Jerusalem and asked King Herod concerning the birth of the King of the Jews, explaining that they had seen his star and came to worship him.”
Rose said: “That must have been a surprise for the King to be asked about another king been born without his knowledge.” Marge responded: “Yes it was Rose. Matthew’s Gospel tells us that King Herod called together the chief priests and teachers of the law, and asked them where the Messiah was to be born. They were able to tell him that it was Bethlehem in Judea. Although they knew where Messier was to be born these men did not go to see if the Magi were right. Their heart’s were closed to God’s message.”
Rose then asked, “So what happened after the Magi left Marge?” Her friend continued to explain: “Fearing that this new born would be a rival king, Herod sent his soldiers to kill all the infants in and around Bethlehem. However, our Heavenly Father, knowing how dark Herod’s heart was, warned Joseph in a dream to flee into Egypt. This made Jesus and His family political refugees. So, as you can see Rose, God’s gift of His Son, whom He sent onto the world as our Savior, was not accepted from the beginning. As the Bible says “He came onto His own and His own received Him not.” Nevertheless, God’s gift of redemption is still offered today to all who accept Jesus as their Savior. By accepting Him we can be forgiven and because children of God.”
Rose’s thoughtful responded was: “I had not realized how dramatic and important the birth of Jesus was. Now that I have heard of Jesus’ reason for coming, and if I still refuse to believe, I would be just like the people who refused to believe when He came all those many years ago. Maybe it is time I accompany you on Sunday morning’s in order to learn more of His message.” Marge put her hand into her handbag, and taking out a small book said: “I’m so happy that you said that Rose, because I brought this gift for you. It is a New Testament in which you can read for yourself the story of Jesus along with His teachings.” Rose accepted the gift with a smile saying: “Thank you Marg, this will be a great help in understanding Jesus and His message. So then, what time does the Sunday service start at your Church?”
Today, let us give thanks to Our Heavenly Father for the gift of Jesus.
John Joseph Fox.
It was the first week of the new year when Marge and Rose met at their favourite coffee shop in the local mall. At their last meeting, Rose had asked her friend about the importance of Christmas. Marge was eager to know how her explanation had impacted on Rose over the Christmas holidays, however, was hesitant to ask. While talking about their respected family’s Christmas’s, Rose said that she had watched some T.V. programs about the first Christmas.
Then asked: “Tell me Marge, if Jesus was born King of Israel as people say, why were shepherds the first to greet him instead of important Jewish people.”
Marge though for a moment and replied: “Now that’s a good question Rose. As you said it Is interesting that the initial visitors to the new born Messiah, which is another way of saying king, both titles refer to an anointed one, were shepherds from the fields. This demonstrates how far Israel, in part, had wandered from God. The priests in the Temple knew well the prophecy’s of the coming of Messiah, and when He did come they failed to recognize Him. Only lowly shepherds received, and believed the message of Messiah born in Bethlehem.”
Rose than asked: “So, dose that explain why the first royal visitors were strangers from the east?” Marge answered: “It’s important to understand that, although Jesus came to Israel as the promised Messiah, He was also to be The Savior for all mankind. We can see this in the way that the angels announced His birth to the Shepard’s when they sang: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’ Also in the way that God gave a sign to the wise men. Although some refer to them as kings, they were actually Magi, who were the wise men of Persia. The Gospel of Matthew says that these Magi travelled to Jerusalem and asked King Herod concerning the birth of the King of the Jews, explaining that they had seen his star and came to worship him.”
Rose said: “That must have been a surprise for the King to be asked about another king been born without his knowledge.” Marge responded: “Yes it was Rose. Matthew’s Gospel tells us that King Herod called together the chief priests and teachers of the law, and asked them where the Messiah was to be born. They were able to tell him that it was Bethlehem in Judea. Although they knew where Messier was to be born these men did not go to see if the Magi were right. Their heart’s were closed to God’s message.”
Rose then asked, “So what happened after the Magi left Marge?” Her friend continued to explain: “Fearing that this new born would be a rival king, Herod sent his soldiers to kill all the infants in and around Bethlehem. However, our Heavenly Father, knowing how dark Herod’s heart was, warned Joseph in a dream to flee into Egypt. This made Jesus and His family political refugees. So, as you can see Rose, God’s gift of His Son, whom He sent onto the world as our Savior, was not accepted from the beginning. As the Bible says “He came onto His own and His own received Him not.” Nevertheless, God’s gift of redemption is still offered today to all who accept Jesus as their Savior. By accepting Him we can be forgiven and because children of God.”
Rose’s thoughtful responded was: “I had not realized how dramatic and important the birth of Jesus was. Now that I have heard of Jesus’ reason for coming, and if I still refuse to believe, I would be just like the people who refused to believe when He came all those many years ago. Maybe it is time I accompany you on Sunday morning’s in order to learn more of His message.” Marge put her hand into her handbag, and taking out a small book said: “I’m so happy that you said that Rose, because I brought this gift for you. It is a New Testament in which you can read for yourself the story of Jesus along with His teachings.” Rose accepted the gift with a smile saying: “Thank you Marg, this will be a great help in understanding Jesus and His message. So then, what time does the Sunday service start at your Church?”
Today, let us give thanks to Our Heavenly Father for the gift of Jesus.
John Joseph Fox.