Thursday - Act On It - The Night That Changed the Wise
We’re been exploring the contrast between the Magi and the Priests and Scribes who advise King Herod. The priests and scribes, the insiders, do nothing, and give nothing to the Messiah they have supposedly studied in depth.
While Magi, the outsiders and travellers, do something and give their gifts of treasure and worship, and make great sacrifices to do so.
None of us here are as powerful as Herod, as knowledgeable as the Magi or Scribes and Pharisees, but as you can see it’s not just about knowledge, it’s about our openness to God acting in our world, even in unexpected ways, that really matters.
We have something to learn from the contrast between the Priests and Scribes and the Magi. Given the same knowledge and experience, the Magi and Priests use it very differently. So we, given knowledge in this world, also have choices as to how we will use them.
We are given the knowledge that the message of Jesus Christ will change the lives of our family and friends for the better. He will transform our world from one ruled over by fear and manipulation to one ruled over by love and peace.
What will we do with it?
Like the priests and scribes, will we have all the info, and do nothing?
Or like the Magi, will we go to all possible lengths to worship this God, giving him our very best gifts?
Giving of our time, resources and even our power, to greet him as our Lord.
So today, with the same history presented to us, we decide how we will go down in history…as knowing much but doing nothing, or as worshipping the true King of love and peace.
Challenge: Explore Jesus this coming year – take c101, get in touch with me. In the process,s you can see if Christian faith is wise, rational, etc. for yourself.
Reminder: We are reading the Bible in sync as one community – so check out today’s reading here.
Reminder: The best way to grow spiritually this year is to join our Christianity 101 in the Cafe Course in Pickering starting January 22nd. Register for you and a friend today!
Read the Bible in Sync Today
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This week, we take an honest look at our motivations for giving and helping others.
Charities know people like to be honoured and recognized for the good, generous people they are.
More likely to give, if they know they’ll be honoured.
A Dutch study of church offerings of cash for outside charities. Baskets & Bags. When using baskets, attendees can see the contribution made by their direct neighbours as well as the total amount already gathered. Givings Increased 10% when baskets are used.
Not just money. Owners of the environmentally friendly Toyota Prius were polled about why they drive a Prius. #1 answer was this it makes a statement about me. Higher fuel economy and lower emissions in third and fifth place!
Our concern for what others think can clearly motivate us to give and do good...a fact many charities use to their advantage to raise money!
Question: How have you benefited from giving to others in the past? Think about both tangible and intangible ones, intentional or not. How do you feel about receiving these?
