The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Matthew 2:1-10, “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from

the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,

2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship

Him.”

3 And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he began to inquire of them where the Christ

was to be born.

5 And they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet,

6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come

forth a Ruler, Who will shepherd My people Israel.'”

7 Then Herod secretly called the magi, and ascertained from them the time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and make careful search for the Child; and when you have found

Him, report to me, that I too may come and worship Him.”

9 And having heard the king, they went their way; and lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before

them, until it came and stood over where the Child was.

10 And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”

Where do you get directions when you enter a strange city? Probably, a police station is the best. The nearest authority for the men from the east was apparently the King’s palace. The Scriptures identify the men as “magi.” They were men who studied astrology, medicine and natural science. Astrology, however, differs significantly from astronomy! Astronomy is a study of stars and heavenly bodies. Astrology is mysticism and embraces magical aspects of various things, including the mysterious movements of heavenly bodies. Where the magi obtained the concept of the star, is not known. It may be a distortion of some true spiritual studies from as far back as the time of Daniel.

We should always read the magi’s words as “…we in the east saw His star…,” rather than “we saw His star in the east.” For had they seen and followed a star in an easterly direction, they would have travelled away from Israel instead of toward it.

In any event, the magi’s inquiry regarding the birth of the Messiah was upsetting to King Herod. The search of historical records revealed the prophecy of Micah 5:2, which located the Child as in Bethlehem. Interestingly, Herod believed the prophecy but rejected the Child and His ultimate purpose. A lot of people are guilty of the same thing today. They “believe” the Bible, but neglect to believe in the Christ of the Bible. I trust you are one who believes both the Scriptures and the LORD Jesus Christ! For Jesus said,

“You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these

that bear witness of Me” (Jn. 5:39).

Herod ultimately sent the magi to Bethlehem, where Mary and Joseph then lived with the young Child (Luke 2:39). Herod was insanely jealous and always fearful of losing his position as king; therefore, the directions he gave to the magi concealed his intention to slay the Child, when once He had been specifically located.

The star itself must be viewed as a miracle of God. The Child Himself was a miracle of God, why would it be difficult to view the star as miraculous? It was the star that ultimately led the magi to the very house where the Child lived with His mother and Joseph.

Miracles have not ceased in our current lifetime. It’s simply that we have so many scientific “answers” to things we don’t otherwise understand, that we too often substitute science for miracles. That does not make us “wise men!” For it’s “The fool (who) has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psa. 14;1). Oh, He is there! Some are just not located where He is! Are you one of those? You reverence the Scriptures, but have yet to truly believe and receive the Christ! Time grows shorter by the day. “”Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart…” (Heb. 3:7-8). Commit yourself to Him in serious prayer. Then, study His Word and see how alive you have become!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom