Love Comes Near Bible Study - December 21st Read Matthew 2:9-12 Write Matthew 2:10 Matthew 2:10 - "When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy." "What stands out to you in these verses and why?" That kings knelt down and worshipped the boy Jesus, giving him gifts so expen- sive. "The Wise Men had a hunch about the star. They were 97% sure this star would lead them somewhere. And then, they find what they're looking for. And they erupt with joy. "I love the star and its beautiful parallels to what God does in our lives. The star goes before us. Sometimes you don't even realize what you're seeking, until it's found." ----- "What did the Wise Men do when they entered the house of Jesus?" They knelt down and paid Jesus homage. "What do you imagine were the emotions felt by Mary and Joseph at this encoun- ter?" Awe, wonder, amazement.... "What is more significant than the posture they assume in Jesus' presence or the generous gifts they presented, is the beauty of whom was presenting them. God had wielded the cosmos so that Jesus was worshiped that night, not by devout Jews--those who most anxiously awaited his arrival--but, by men from the east. Gentiles. "The significance of the Wise Men in this story is that they point to God's great plan. That all nations would worship Jesus. The Messiah has not only come to save Jews, but every nation, tribe and tongue." ----- Love Comes Near Read Exodus 13:21, Psalm 139:5-12, Isaiah 45:2 "Throughout the Bible, you will read about God going before his people. Espec- ially when the Jews were wandering in the wilderness. The word "wandering" seems so aimless, and they were at it for 40 years. I think it's easy to imag- ine that it was aimless. But, there was purpose in their wandering. There was a necessary work that God was doing in the Israelite people during this time. And it wasn't aimless. Exodus 13:21 tells us that he went before them day and night. "The NLT version of Psalm 139:5 says, 'You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.' "What a beautiful promise. He goes before me, graciously making a way. He follows behind me, like a protective father. "The Wise Men had done their homework. They had studied the stars, they charted their course, they knew the prophecies. They were ready for the adventure when it was presented. And the payoff? Great joy." ----- "What dream in your heart are you neglecting? What course in life is God cal- ling you to chart? What homework needs your attention?" I don't really know. I have a home and a girlfriend now, and have some years left of living here without financial crisis. I like working with my computer and get to do it often. I love my girlfriend and am able to provide for her, even in cases where I feel may be too much, but I care, and I know I am cared for. I don't have a job and haven't had one since January of 2001 (that's been 15 years now). I sometimes miss working, having a job where there are defined responsibilities and a contribution to the whole of the workplace, and making good money. I don't know if I could enter the workplace now or not (at least a workplace of I.T. where I used to work) -- there is a lot new that has happened in the Information Technology area of life in 15 years in the business world. And I don't know if I'd like to do like Vic and do something like be a pizza driver. Bless his heart. I think as I have been doing Bible studies, my heart has wanted to become closer to Jesus and I want to become more Christ-like in my life, learning to give instead of being selfish with my time and money. I give a lot to my girlfriend, at least of money, if not time. And she gives back to me. Have I grown too comfortable here in my 2-wide pre- manufactured home at 4122 Lakewood? Do I need to emerge and do more for God? Please help me in knowing what Your will is for me, because I think I am only beginning to follow it just now. Maybe you want me to clean house. Thst would be a start. ----- "How does the promise in Psalms inspire your courage for adventure? What lesson do you learn from the star in the Christmas story?" Psalm 139:11-12 -- " 11 If I say, 'Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night,' 12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you." I am more of a night person than a day person, have been for some time. I live in the dark, and I live not being fully aware of the world about me. Yet this passage of Psalms says that even night is day to the Lord -- I guess he can see all things, even those cloaked by darkness: Psalm 139:8 -- "8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there." Sheol is a word that in my International Standard Bible Encyclopedia is like unto hell but is not Hell. God is there even in the twilight of Sheol where God's presence can be felt -- from ISBE entry on "Sheol": "It is figured as an under-world (Isa 44:23; Ezek 26:20, etc.), and is des- cribed by other terms, as 'the pit' (Job 33:24; Ps 28:1; 30:3; Prov 1:12; Isa 38:18, etc.), ABADDON (which see) or Destruction (Job 26:6; 28:22; Prov 15:11). the place of 'silence' (Ps 94:17; 115:17), 'the land of darkness and the shadow of death' (Job 10:21 f). It is, as the antithesis of the living condition, the synonym for everything that is gloomy, inert, insubstantial (the abode of Rephaim, 'shades,' Job 26:5;, Prov 2:18; 21:16; Isa 14:9; 26:14). It is a 'land of forgetfulness,' where God's 'wonders' are unknown (Ps 88:10-12)." Further, "In its darkness, stillness, powerlessness, lack of knowledge and inactivity, it is a true abode of death (see DEATH); hence, is regarded by the living with shrinking, horror and dismay (Ps 39:13; Isa 38:17-19), though to the weary and troubled it may present the aspect of a welcome rest or sleep (Job 3:17-22; 14:12 f). The Greek idea of Hades was not dissimilar." But it remains that Psalm 139:8 says, "if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there." What lesson do I learn from the star in the Christmas Story? Hmm, that there can be a guiding light even in the darkest of places if I just wait and listen and look and wait for it -- the light of Christian love and understanding. The light that, like it lead the three Kings to Jesus, can lead me to Jesus. I may feel hopeless in my depressions, that maybe life is not worth living, but I think Christ promises more if I but strive for His example and teachings. ----- "This Christmas, watch for the star. When you see a star as you're shopping, when you admire the star on top of your Christmas tree, let it lead you to this promise: God goes before us. There is no aimless wandering, no accidents, when you are a child of the King."