The Desire of Ages--6--We Have Seen His Star

[Dorine]

"Through the wise men, God had called the attention of the Jewish nation to the birth of His Son. Their inquiries in Jerusalem, the popular interest excited, and even the jealousy of Herod, which compelled the attention of the priests and rabbis, directed minds to the prophecies concerning the Messiah, and to the great event that had just taken place."

God never gives up trying to get the attention of self centered hearts. He has many ways to direct wayward souls to biblical truth. He used the wise men searching for the Messiah and He still uses the most unlikely souls especially if His own are asleep to their heavenly duty. It is sad to see how many of our people today do not know the prophecies and are too busy living life to find out. Let us be searching daily for the precious truths in God's word so that we will not be caught unawares like the Jewish nation and we will always be ready with a reason for our beliefs when asked.

[Richard Myers]

Amen my brothers and sister!!  God often uses Satan's work and his agents to accomplish good. And, He will reach those not of our faith through nature and the Holy Spirit as He did with the three wise men from the East.

We do not understand how evil we are by nature. From time to time, the Spirit awakens our mind to see our great need of Christ in order to do any good thing. But, having and evil nature is not an excuse for sin. God has provided a remedy at great expense, and at great risk. The road to heaven is not easy, but all may obtain the goal if they will but turn to Jesus and learn of Him who gave all that we might live. How does humanity look at Jesus?

God could not trust His beloved Son with men, even while carrying forward His work for their salvation. He commissioned angels to attend Jesus and protect Him till He should accomplish His mission on earth, and die by the hands of those whom He came to save.

How very sad. But God still loves us and if we will love Him with all of the heart, then He will empower us to do good and develop a character that will fit us for heaven.  Let us be a blessing to others and this Sabbath Day.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Let Jesus make you divinely efficient! That can only happen when you willingly surrender your entire heart and life to Him, for He will impute and impart to you His righteousness! Such an experiential knowledge of Jesus Christ makes you a partaker of His divine nature, filling your life with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as you are simultaneously empowered to obey the law of God!

“The offering from the heart that loves, God delights to honor, giving it highest efficiency in service for Him. If we have given our hearts to Jesus, we also shall bring our gifts to Him. Our gold and silver, our most precious earthly possessions, our highest mental and spiritual endowments, will be freely devoted to Him who loved us, and gave Himself for us.” {The Desire of Ages, page 65, paragraph 2}

Like the magi who gave their best to Jesus, as we give our best to him, there is no limit to the usefulness of our lives for His service as we abide in His infinite love!

[Richard Myers]

Amen Pastor

  Soldiers were at once sent to Bethlehem, with orders to put to death all the children of two years and under. The quiet homes of the city of David witnessed those scenes of horror that, six hundred years before, had been opened to the prophet. "In Ramah was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not." 
     This calamity the Jews had brought upon themselves. If they had been walking in faithfulness and humility before God, He would in a signal manner have made the wrath of the king harmless to them. But they had separated themselves from God by their sins, and had rejected the Holy Spirit, which was their only shield. They had not studied the Scriptures with a desire to conform to the will of God. They had searched for prophecies which could be interpreted to exalt themselves, and to show how God despised all other nations. It was their proud boast that the Messiah was to come as a king, conquering His enemies, and treading down the heathen in His wrath. Thus they had excited the hatred of their rulers. Through their misrepresentation of Christ's mission, Satan had purposed to compass the destruction of the Saviour; but instead of this, it returned upon their own heads. .

[Beacon]

"Pride and envy closed the door against the light."

"If the reports brought by the shepherds and the wise men were credited, they would place the priests and rabbis in a most unenviable position."

"It would disprove their claim to be the exponents of the truth of God."

"These learned teachers would not stoop to be instructed by those whom they termed heathen."

" It could not be, they said, that God had passed them by, to communicate with ignorant shepherds or uncircumcised Gentiles."

"They determined to show their contempt for the reports that were exciting King Herod and all Jerusalem. They would not even go to Bethlehem to see whether these things were so.

"They led the people to regard the interest in Jesus as a fanatical excitement."

"Here began the rejection of Christ by the priests and rabbis."

"From this point their pride and stubbornness grew into a settled hatred of the Saviour." 

"While God was opening the door to the Gentiles, the Jewish leaders were closing the door to themselves."

Could it be possible that "WE" may exhibit the same attitude as the Jewish leaders did, when someone shows us a point of standard in God's Holy Word that we do not want to believe or obey?? It is easy to criticize others when "WE" OURSELVES" don't want to change!!  Let us pray that we will always be open to the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit with an open heart and mind.

===================================
1
Open my eyes that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
    Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my eyes, illumine me,
    Spirit Divine!
2
Open my ears that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.
3
Open my mouth and let me bear
Tidings of mercy everywhere;
Open my heart and let me prepare
Love with Thy children thus to share.
4
Open my mind that I may read
More of Thy love in word and deed;
What shall I fear while yet Thou dost lead?
Only for light from Thee I plead.

Lyrics:Clara H. Scott
Music:Clara H. Scott

[Dorine]

"Satan was bent on shutting out the divine light from the world, and he used his utmost cunning to destroy the Saviour. But He who never slumbers nor sleeps was watching over His beloved Son. He who had rained manna from heaven for Israel and had fed Elijah in the time of famine provided in a heathen land a refuge for Mary and the child Jesus. And through the gifts of the magi from a heathen country, the Lord supplied the means for the journey into Egypt and the sojourn in a land of strangers."

And so it is today. Our God is ever watching over His children. May our hearts be full of praise. Satan's efforts to destroy all that is good and righteous has not lessened but we serve a God who never sleeps. That should bring peace and hope to every child of God.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon!! Let us be open to light from God's word by a full, continual surrender to Jesus!!

Amen, Sister Dorine!!

If you journey with Jesus in your heart and have a sincere desire to be led by Him at each step, then you can have a happy journey all the way to heaven, even amid trials and seeming delays! Living by faith in Christ means all of the fruits of the Spirit come into the life without one missing so He can lead you in His will--true obedience and clearer and clearer discernment of His word and plan for your life to point others to Jesus!

"As by faith Abraham went forth at the call of God, 'not knowing whither he went' (Hebrews 11:; as by faith Israel followed the pillar of cloud to the Promised Land, so did these Gentiles go forth to find the promised Saviour. The Eastern country abounded in precious things, and the magi did not set out empty-handed. It was the custom to offer presents as an act of homage to princes or other personages of rank, and the richest gifts the land afforded were borne as an offering to Him in whom all the families of the earth were to be blessed. It was necessary to journey by night in order to keep the star in view; but the travelers beguiled the hours by repeating traditional sayings and prophetic utterances concerning the One they sought. At every pause for rest they searched the prophecies; and the conviction deepened that they were divinely guided. While they had the star before them as an outward sign, they had also the inward evidence of the Holy Spirit, which was impressing their hearts, and inspiring them with hope. The journey, though long, was a happy one to them." {The Desire of Ages, page 60, paragraph 2}

Let us be the happiest people on earth, for just as the wise men were in search of the first advent of Christ, we can be OVERJOYED to help herald the second advent of Christ--and He will be coming in the clouds with all the holy angels to gather His children home to heaven! As He gives us the three angels' messages (Revelation 14:6-12) to herald and fulfill His gospel commission to the whole world (Matthew 28:18-20), we have the high privilege of being co-laborers with Jesus to the end, in preparation for the ministry He has for us in eternity!! Let us follow the Lamb wherever He leads us!!

[Richard Myers]

Amen Pastor Sean. We can have love, joy, and peace as we yield to that still small voice pointing us in the right direction!

Amen dear sister!  God has proved His love for us. No matter what happens we who love the Lord our God with the whole heart know that all things work for our good and God's glory. As He watched over His Son, so He watches over us.

Amen Brother Beacon, we need to hear that still small voice that tells us just what to do. When we say no to Him, it will be harder to obey the next time. We are to develop the habit of obedience by following His leading daily. That is the work of sanctification. Our character is to be continually reflecting the character of Jesus, more and more perfectly.

  As by faith Abraham went forth at the call of God, "not knowing whither he went" (Hebrews 11:8 ) ; as by faith Israel followed the pillar of cloud to the Promised Land, so did these Gentiles go forth to find the promised Saviour. The Eastern country abounded in precious things, and the magi did not set out empty-handed. It was the custom to offer presents as an act of homage to princes or other personages of rank, and the richest gifts the land afforded were borne as an offering to Him in whom all the families of the earth were to be blessed. It was necessary to journey by night in order to keep the star in view; but the travelers beguiled the hours by repeating traditional sayings and prophetic utterances concerning the One they sought. At every pause for rest they searched the prophecies; and the conviction deepened that they were divinely guided. While they had the star before them as an outward sign, they had also the inward evidence of the Holy Spirit, which was impressing their hearts, and inspiring them with hope. The journey, though long, was a happy one to them. 

Amen! These Gentiles did hear and follow that still small voice. God blessed them while the Jewish leaders were deaf to the Holy Spirit and lost the blessing even though they had been entrusted with the Truth. "If they had been walking in faithfulness and humility before God, He would in a signal manner have made the wrath of the king harmless to them. But they had separated themselves from God by their sins, and had rejected the Holy Spirit, which was their only shield"

[Beacon]

"In Ramah was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not." Jeremiah 31:15

"This calamity the Jews had brought upon themselves."

"If they had been walking in faithfulness and humility before God, He would in a signal manner have made the wrath of the king harmless to them. But they had separated themselves from God by their sins, and had rejected the Holy Spirit, which was their only shield."

"They had not studied the Scriptures with a desire to conform to the will of God."

"They had searched for prophecies which could be interpreted to exalt themselves, and to show how God despised all other nations. It was their proud boast that the Messiah was to come as a king, conquering His enemies, and treading down the heathen in His wrath.

"Thus they had excited the hatred of their rulers".

"Through their misrepresentation of Christ's mission, Satan had purposed to compass the destruction of the Saviour; but instead of this, it returned upon their own heads. "

When "WE" reject the leading of the Holy Spirit we also might end up doing what the Jews did and cause shame against the cause that we claim to love!!  Let "US" daily pray for the infilling the Holy Spirit.

===========================
1
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
2
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
3
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.
4
Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose,
Every power as Thou shalt choose.
5
Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
6
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Lyrics:Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)
Music:Henri Abraham Cesar Malan (1787-1864

[Dorine]

  "The priests are rehearsing traditions. They extol their religion and their own piety, while they denounce the Greeks and Romans as heathen, and sinners above others. The wise men are not idolaters, and in the sight of God they stand far higher than do these, His professed worshipers; yet they are looked upon by the Jews as heathen. Even among the appointed guardians of the Holy Oracles their eager questionings touch no chord of sympathy."
Man looks on the outward appearance but God sees the heart and knows the motives behind all that we say and do. While we are to love our fellowman doing good to all, it is God we answer to. When we are humble before God there will be no hint of evil surmising's or pride residing in our hearts. Self will be dead and we will be hungering for the truth and teaching others the way of salvation.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!

What is the next step? God knows! When we surrender fully to God and let Him lead us by faith in complete surrender, not only will our character experience have the infilling of all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing, but we will be led in true obedience to His commandments as we follow His providence and plan for our lives! The wise men are a good example of following the light and walking where God led!

"As by faith Abraham went forth at the call of God, 'not knowing whither he went' (Hebrews 11:; as by faith Israel followed the pillar of cloud to the Promised Land, so did these Gentiles go forth to find the promised Saviour. The Eastern country abounded in precious things, and the magi did not set out empty-handed. It was the custom to offer presents as an act of homage to princes or other personages of rank, and the richest gifts the land afforded were borne as an offering to Him in whom all the families of the earth were to be blessed. It was necessary to journey by night in order to keep the star in view; but the travelers beguiled the hours by repeating traditional sayings and prophetic utterances concerning the One they sought. At every pause for rest they searched the prophecies; and the conviction deepened that they were divinely guided. While they had the star before them as an outward sign, they had also the inward evidence of the Holy Spirit, which was impressing their hearts, and inspiring them with hope. The journey, though long, was a happy one to them." {The Desire of Ages, page 60, paragraph 2}

Whether our journey in this earthly life is long or short, if we are walking where God leads, we can rejoice to soon see Jesus coming in the clouds of heaven at His second coming!

[Richard Myers]

Amen my brothers and sister!  God has a purpose for you and me, just as Jesus had a purpose in coming to this wicked world.

Again Joseph was directed to a place of safety. He returned to Nazareth, his former home, and here for nearly thirty years Jesus dwelt, "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene." Galilee was under the control of a son of Herod, but it had a much larger admixture of foreign inhabitants than Judea.Thus there was less interest in matters relating especially to the Jews, and the claims of Jesus would be less likely to excite the jealousy of those in power.
     Such was the Saviour's reception when He came to the earth. There seemed to be no place of rest or safety for the infant Redeemer. God could not trust His beloved Son with men, even while carrying forward His work for their salvation. He commissioned angels to attend Jesus and protect Him till He should accomplish His mission on earth, and die by the hands of those whom He came to save.

And so angels protect you and me until God's will is done in our lives, as we surrender all to Him.

[Beacon]

"It was the custom to offer presents as an act of homage to princes or other personages of rank, and the richest gifts the land afforded were borne as an offering to Him in whom all the families of the earth were to be blessed."

"It was necessary to journey by night in order to keep the star in view; but the travelers beguiled the hours by repeating traditional sayings and prophetic utterances concerning the One they sought."

"At every pause for rest they searched the prophecies; and the conviction deepened that they were divinely guided."

"While they had the star before them as an outward sign, they had also the inward evidence of the Holy Spirit, which was impressing their hearts, and inspiring them with hope." "

"The journey, though long, was a happy one to them."

I couldn't help but notice that it was the very best gifts they could afford that they brought on their journey. Do "WE"  share that same spirit of generosity in our support of God's Remnant Church Today as we await the second coming ??

============================
1
All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
    I surrender all,
  I surrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
    I surrender all.
2
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
3
All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
4
All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
5
All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!

Lyrics:Judson W. Van de Venter (1855-1939)
Music:Winfield Scott Weeden (1847-1908)

[Dorine]

"When they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him." Beneath the lowly guise of Jesus, they recognized the presence of Divinity. They gave their hearts to Him as their Saviour, and then poured out their gifts,--"gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." What a faith was theirs! It might have been said of the wise men from the East, as afterward of the Roman centurion, "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." Matthew 8:10.

Do we know Jesus personally or do we just know about Him. I'm always touched by the story of the Magi who wanted to know truth. They didn't just sit idly by wondering but diligently studied to know for themselves. This is the faith that saves by the grace of God.

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear brother and sister!  I too was impressed with how God led the wise men. They truly believed God was leading them and trusted their long distance of travel was guided by God.

As by faith Abraham went forth at the call of God, "not knowing whither he went" (Hebrews 11:8 ) ; as by faith Israel followed the pillar of cloud to the Promised Land, so did these Gentiles go forth to find the promised Saviour. The Eastern country abounded in precious things, and the magi did not set out empty-handed. It was the custom to offer presents as an act of homage to princes or other personages of rank, and the richest gifts the land afforded were borne as an offering to Him in whom all the families of the earth were to be blessed. It was necessary to journey by night in order to keep the star in view; but the travelers beguiled the hours by repeating traditional sayings and prophetic utterances concerning the One they sought. At every pause for rest they searched the prophecies; and the conviction deepened that they were divinely guided. While they had the star before them as an outward sign, they had also the inward evidence of the Holy Spirit, which was impressing their hearts, and inspiring them with hope. The journey, though long, was a happy one to them.

That same faith may be ours also! God led them by the Holy Spirit, prophecies, the guiding star, and a dream.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine, and Brother Richard!

As we realize the great controversy between Christ and Satan was raging even as Jesus was but an infant, we can be so encouraged to see how the Father orchestrated events to protect and provide for His Son. As we surrender all to Jesus so we can gladly serve Him, our Heavenly Father--who has a thousand ways to provide for us of which we know nothing--will lead us safely in the path appointed for us, too, as we keep His service and honor supreme in all we think, feel, say and do!

"Satan was bent on shutting out the divine light from the world, and he used his utmost cunning to destroy the Saviour. But He who never slumbers nor sleeps was watching over His beloved Son. He who had rained manna from heaven for Israel and had fed Elijah in the time of famine provided in a heathen land a refuge for Mary and the child Jesus. And through the gifts of the magi from a heathen country, the Lord supplied the means for the journey into Egypt and the sojourn in a land of strangers." {The Desire of Ages, page 65, paragraph 1}

Our loving God is vitally interested in protecting us from Satan. He leads in ways that we may only fully know about once we get to heaven! Fear not as you reflect afresh on the infinite love of God in Christ for you--all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing in your character experience will be the living evidence that Jesus has your WHOLE HEART and that you are trusting Him to guide you continually!

[Beacon]

"As by faith Abraham went forth at the call of God, "not knowing whither he went" (Hebrews 11:8 ) ; as by faith
Israel followed the pillar of cloud to the Promised Land."

"So did these Gentiles go forth to find the promised Saviour."

"The Eastern country abounded in precious things, and the magi did not set out empty-handed. It was the custom to offer presents as an act of homage to princes or other personages of rank, and the richest gifts the land afforded were borne as an offering to Him in whom all the families of the earth were to be blessed."

"It was necessary to journey by night in order to keep the star in view; but the travelers beguiled the hours by repeating traditional sayings and prophetic utterances concerning the One they sought."

"At every pause for rest they searched the prophecies."

"The conviction deepened that they were divinely guided."

"While they had the star before them as an outward sign, they had also the inward evidence of the Holy Spirit, which was impressing their hearts, and inspiring them with hope."

"The journey, though long, was a happy one to them."

Yes, sometimes "OUR" Earthly Journeys seem long! However as I've mentioned preciously "WE" must Never Forget!! that Jesus has Promised to Never Leave or Forsake "US" If God seems far around from you today -- Guess who moved?? It wasn't God![/b][/u]
=================================
1
Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
2
Every day the Lord Himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counsellor and Pow’r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”
This the pledge to me He made.
3
Help me then, in every tribulation,
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation,
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till with Christ the Lord I stand.


1
Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
2
Every day the Lord Himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counsellor and Pow’r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”
This the pledge to me He made.
3
Help me then, in every tribulation,
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation,
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till with Christ the Lord I stand.

Lyrics:Fanny Jane Crosby (1820-1915)
Music:William Howard Doane (1832-1915)

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon!!

Happy Sabbath! How can a journey be happy even if it is long? It all comes down to the condition of the heart. As the magi had accepted the light of heaven-sent truth from what they had studied and were open to more, the Holy Spirit guided them. We can rejoice that all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will flow into and through our lives as we accept the light God gives us by fully surrendering to Him, going where His providence leads. We can be grateful that no matter how long it is until Jesus comes in power and glory (and it is soon--thankfully, we can hasten it by living out and giving the gospel to the world)--we can be happy, peaceful and obedient Christians who cheerfully do the will of God!

"As by faith Abraham went forth at the call of God, 'not knowing whither he went' (Hebrews 11:; as by faith Israel followed the pillar of cloud to the Promised Land, so did these Gentiles go forth to find the promised Saviour. The Eastern country abounded in precious things, and the magi did not set out empty-handed. It was the custom to offer presents as an act of homage to princes or other personages of rank, and the richest gifts the land afforded were borne as an offering to Him in whom all the families of the earth were to be blessed. It was necessary to journey by night in order to keep the star in view; but the travelers beguiled the hours by repeating traditional sayings and prophetic utterances concerning the One they sought. At every pause for rest they searched the prophecies; and the conviction deepened that they were divinely guided. While they had the star before them as an outward sign, they had also the inward evidence of the Holy Spirit, which was impressing their hearts, and inspiring them with hope. The journey, though long, was a happy one to them." {The Desire of Ages, page 60, paragraph 2}

May your convictions deepen as you behold the loveliness of Jesus in His word, follow where He leads, and walk by faith in His will. We can rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing and give thanks in everything because God's word supplies the motive power for such a life of victory in Christ!

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear brothers! Before I began to type this morning, I thought for a moment that we all might choose the same thing to share. Sure enough it is.

     As by faith Abraham went forth at the call of God, "not knowing whither he went" (Hebrews 11:8 ) ; as by faith Israel followed the pillar of cloud to the Promised Land, so did these Gentiles go forth to find the promised Saviour. The Eastern country abounded in precious things, and the magi did not set out empty-handed. It was the custom to offer presents as an act of homage to princes or other personages of rank, and the richest gifts the land afforded were borne as an offering to Him in whom all the families of the earth were to be blessed. It was necessary to journey by night in order to keep the star in view; but the travelers beguiled the hours by repeating traditional sayings and prophetic utterances concerning the One they sought. At every pause for rest they searched the prophecies; and the conviction deepened that they were divinely guided. While they had the star before them as an outward sign, they had also the inward evidence of the Holy Spirit, which was impressing their hearts, and inspiring them with hope. The journey, though long, was a happy one to them. 

Why is this of importance to us today? Brother Beacon pointed out: "The conviction deepened that they were divinely guided. While they had the star before them as an outward sign, they had also the inward evidence of the Holy Spirit, which was impressing their hearts, and inspiring them with hope." Pastor Sean pointed out: "As the magi had accepted the light of heaven-sent truth from what they had studied and were open to more, the Holy Spirit guided them."

Some may not understand that God is leading us to prepare a people to welcome Jesus when He soon comes. "At every pause for rest they searched the prophecies; and the conviction deepened that they were divinely guided. While they had the star before them as an outward sign, they had also the inward evidence of the Holy Spirit, which was impressing their hearts, and inspiring them with hope." So it is with all who love the Lord our God and want to hasten His soon coming! Like John the Baptist, God does have a people who are making preparation to be messengers who bring truth to a world soon to perish.

John was to go forth as Jehovah's messenger, to bring to men the light of God. He must give a new direction to their thoughts. He must impress them with the holiness of God's requirements, and their need of His perfect righteousness. Such a messenger must be holy. He must be a temple for the indwelling Spirit of God. In order to fulfill his mission, he must have a sound physical constitution, and mental and spiritual strength. Therefore it would be necessary for him to control the appetites and passions. He must be able so to control all his powers that he could stand among men as unmoved by surrounding circumstances as the rocks and mountains of the wilderness.

In the time of John the Baptist, greed for riches, and the love of luxury and display had become widespread. Sensuous pleasures, feasting and drinking, were causing physical disease and degeneracy, benumbing the spiritual perceptions, and lessening the sensibility to sin. John was to stand as a reformer. By his abstemious life and plain dress he was to  rebuke the excesses of his time. Hence the directions given to the parents of John,—a lesson of temperance by an angel from the throne of heaven.

As a prophet, John was “to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” In preparing the way for Christ's first advent, he was a representative of those who are to prepare a people for our Lord's second coming. The world is given to self-indulgence. Errors and fables abound. Satan's snares for destroying souls are multiplied. All who would perfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance and self-control. The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind. This self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of God's word. For this reason temperance finds its place in the work of preparation for Christ's second coming.

[Beacon]

"The Eastern country abounded in precious things, and the magi did not set out empty-handed."

"It was the custom to offer presents as an act of homage to princes or other personages of rank, and the richest gifts the land afforded were borne as an offering to Him in whom all the families of the earth were to be blessed."

"It was necessary to journey by night in order to keep the star in view; but the travelers beguiled the hours by repeating traditional sayings and prophetic utterances concerning the One they sought."

"At every pause for rest they searched the prophecies."

"The conviction deepened that they were divinely guided."

"While they had the star before them as an outward sign, they had also the inward evidence of the Holy Spirit, which was impressing their hearts, and inspiring them with hope."

"The journey, though long, was a happy one to them."

So it will be for "US" also if "WE" spend time with Jesus every day and search the Scriptures with an open heart ! and mind. Are "YOU & I " searching every day to know more about Jesus??

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1
More about Jesus would I know,
More of His grace to others show;
More of His saving fulness see,
More of His love who died for me.
    More, more about Jesus,
More, more about Jesus;
More of His saving fulness see,
  More of His love who died for me.
2
More about Jesus let me learn,
More of His holy will discern;
Spirit of God my teacher be,
Showing the things of Christ to me.
3
More about Jesus; in His Word,
Holding communion with my Lord;
Hearing His voice in every line,
Making each faithful saying mine.
4
More about Jesus; on His throne,
Riches in glory all His own;
More of His kingdom’s sure increase;
More of His coming, Prince of Peace.

Lyrics:Eliza Edmunds Hewitt (1851-1920)
Music:John Robson Sweney (1837-1899)