The Path to Adoration

The role of the prophets is preparation

The higher the expectation, the greater the preparation

Preparation begins with repentance

Repentance begins with confession

Repentance + Confession = Fruitful Life

The Angels’ roles is proclamation

Proclaiming Peace

We must posses peace before we can proclaim it to others

We must proclaim peace to others, but we need heavenly wisdom to be able to do that

While the Shepherd’s role was Communication

They spread the word about Joy

And the ABC that kills your Joy is Anxiety, Bitterness and Confusion

Trust God and accept His plans

Offer grace and let go of the pain

Follow God’s light, one step at a time

Today let’s see what we can learn from the Magi

What is a Magi? (Magos in Greek)

First of all the Magi are not kings, they are royal advisers to the kings

Magi is the term used designating the wise men from the East who came to pay homage to Jesus.

Magi is a people group. Magi is plural, Magus is the singular term for Magi

Who are they?

The Bible does not mention their names, however, tradition game them the names Balthasar, Melchor & Casper (Gaspar)

How many are they?

Eastern tradition set the number of the Magi at 12, but western tradition sets the number to three.

Though the Bible did not clearly mentioned the number of the Magi, they probably based their tradition on the 3 gifts of gold, frankincense - Fragrant gum that can be ground into powder and burned to produce balsam-like odor.

And myrrh - A costly spice. It was first mentioned as a principal ingredient in the holy anointing oil (). It was used as perfume (), and also used for embalming ().

Where did the Magi came from?

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They came from different places of Parthia, Persia and Yemen. Now known as Iran, Iraq and Yemen

This is not exact distance but my Logos app has a measuring function and the radius towards where the Magi came from is around 1,300 miles, if they were riding camels, I looked it up, Camels can actually travel at the speed of 40mph, but say they are just taking their time and were cruising at 25mph, that would have taken them 52 hours.

Say they traveled around 4 hours a day.. that would have taken them 2-3 weeks.

How did they found the baby Jesus?

The Bible said, through the guidance of the miraculous star

But why did they have to go and see Jesus?

Keep in mind that these Magi did not come from the same place. They have their own reasons why they decided to seek Jesus.

I am presuming that they did not even talk to each other before they started their journey following the star (besides, there were no cellphones or internet connection at that time)

There’s not enough information provided by the Bible to describe the Magi. We don’t know exactly how old were they.

But regardless of how old they are, or what their intentions were. One thing that we can conclude that is common to them is that, they were all “seekers”

How did the Magi known about Jesus?

Hmmm this question will have me take you back to the time of Prophet Daniel…

Do you remember when Nebuchadnezzar, the king Babylon had a dream and no one was able to interpret his dreams? Not even the Wisemen…

After failing to interpret his dreams, Nebuchadnezzar ordered the killing of the wisemen, but Daniel interceded for them

Daniel 2:24 NIV

24 Then Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to execute the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, “Do not execute the wise men of Babylon. Take me to the king, and I will interpret his dream for him.”

Daniel 2:24 TEV

24 So Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had commanded to execute the royal advisers. He said to him, “Don’t put them to death. Take me to the king, and I will tell him what his dream means.”

The plot against Daniel that caused him to be thrown into the lions’ den was orchestrated by the jealous satraps and the other commissioners, NOT the magi (wisemen)

Daniel 6:4–5 NIV

4 At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. 5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”

Daniel 6:4–9 NIV

4 At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. 5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.” 6 So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever! 7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. 8 Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” 9 So King Darius put the decree in writing.

So, the plotters against Daniel was NOT the Magi but the administrators and the satraps

Take note that the prophetic career of Daniel was from 605-520BC

Take note also that the Magi are wisemen, very knowledgeable astronomers, they are smart enough to become royal advisers down the generations

They believe in one true God and with the prophecy of Daniel about Jesus Christ in chapter 9, it could be that it was pass down to succeeding generations of the Magi that a Savior was coming…

Look with me in Daniel Chapter 9

Daniel 9:20–21 NIV

20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the Lord my God for his holy hill—21 while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice.

The same angel Gabriel who announced the birth of Jesus

Luke 1:26–28 NIV

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Luke 1:26

So even the Magi, who are gentiles, are expecting a Savior

They went to follow God’s light regardless of their intentions… they went to seek the Savior

Let’s look at the story…

Matthew 2:1–2 NIV

1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Matthew 2:1–12 NIV

1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

This was prophesied by Balaam, son of Beor. A prophet from northern Mesopotamia some 1,300 year BC

Numbers 24:17 NIV

17 “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the people of Sheth.

Matthew 2:3–6 NIV

3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Again this was prophesied by Micah around 700 years BC

Micah 5:2 NIV

2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

Matthew 2:7–11 NIV

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Matthew 2:7–10 NIV

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

Matthew 2 NIV

1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. 13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” 16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 18 “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” 19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” 21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.

It began around 600 years before the first Christmas

Matthew 6:7–10 NIV

7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 2:7–12 NIV

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

It all began around 600 years before the first Christmas

The Magi sought to follow the light, when they found the Savior, they humbled themselves, adored Jesus and gave Him their best

From the lives of the Magi, we see the four stages of our spiritual growth

From the lives of the Magi we see four types people

Seeker, Follower, Worshipper, Giver

Seeker

Follower

Worshipper

Giver

Also, from the lives of the Magi, we see the four stages of our spiritual growth

We seek, we follow, we worship, then we serve

And based on that, here at Agape we help people grow in their spiritual journey

We have in place a “Path to Adoration”

We call it CLASS or Christian Life And Service Seminars (show CLASS)

In 2020 we have scheduled classes for Class 101-401 and if you haven’t gone through any of that, or if you have gone through some, but have not finish all four classes, I encourage you to not miss the oncoming opportunities

The 4 stages of spiritual growth may also be perceived as the 4 kinds of attenders here at Agape

Some of you might still be seeking, and if you are seeking, stay here because we are here to help you find

Or most of you may already have found, and started following Him. Again, stay here and let us follow Him together

And some of you who already found Him, and have been following Him, but are not yet worshipping Him. Not yet involve in any ministry. Stay here because here at Agape, we have a place waiting for you

Or maybe, you’ve found Him long ago, been following Him ever since, worshipping Him through your service through our ministries, but yet to discover your Life Mission. Again, stay here because here at Agape, our ultimate goal is to help you discover your Life Mission and send you to serve and live out your purpose

Wherever, whatever or whoever you maybe. God placed you to belong in this church family, and we are very glad that you are here.

There is a piece of paper and a dropbox at the welcome desk, on your way out, make sure you to let as know how we may be of service to you and your family. That’s what we are here for

As we come to the close of Advent, I want you to think about the Path to Adoration. Like the Magi who went on a journey, traveled a rugged country.

You are also in a journey, probably navigating through a rugged life

Let me help you see where you are now in your “Path to Adoration”

Matthew 7:7 NIV

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Maybe you are one those who are seeking God, today is the appointed day that you will find Him

Question: You may come to the Lord as your are, but not to stay as you are. He wants you to turn from your sin. What are some things in your life that you know Christ wants you to forsake?

You may come to the Lord as your are, but not to stay as you are. He wants you to turn from your sin. What are some things in your life that you know Christ wants you to forsake?

When Jesus started choosing and calling His disciples, He saw two brothers, Peter and Andrew

They were casting a net into the lake for they were fishermen

Jesus said…

When Jesus started choosing and calling His disciples

Matthew 4:19 NIV

19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

Question: Can I trust enough to follow Jesus wherever and whatever he asks?

After they fed the multitude, He got them into a boat and sent them ahead of Him

Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them walking on the lake, they were terrified for they thought they saw a ghost. They cried in fear!

But Jesus said to them! Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid!

Peter said in his doubt, Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water. Jesus said, “come!”

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and began to sink! And cried out, Lord save me!

Immediately Jesus reach out his hand and caught him and said, “you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down and those who were in the boat worshipped Him

Matthew 14:33 NIV

33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”