Vintage Bet Leḥem, Hebrew pronunciation: [bet ˈleχem], "House of Bread"
~ sounds as if God Himself has a plan of Living Bread
Matthew 2:1-12
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king,
behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,
2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”
9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Only by a dream, did the Magi not end up as part of Massacre of the Innocents.
Gifts and talents from God are unique things. Wise men left from looking at the stars to speak to a foreign king. Knock, knock the wise astronomers are at the door.
"Father, I do not wish to work within the family business, instead I will study the stars and travel." Did the Father of the Magi greet this well? Did he have to sell his land for his son to travel far away? Was the father thrilled? Did the young magi drive his parents to frustration speaking of the stars?
Did the wife of the Magi greet this pilgrimage as Moses' wife did? Zipporah, Wife of Moses, Exodus 4:24–26 tells Moses his desire to go back and free his people by way of deadly Pharaoh, said Moses, "Was a bloody bridegroom." Delicately putting this, Zipporah, may well have been telling Moses - she had made bodily sacrifices to present him with purity, to share their lives and Moses was skipping out. Zipporah did not want great, great adventures and travels of God as Good News.
Herod was not known to be extremely hospitable and friendly: son Antipater II, executed 4 BC
wife Mariamne I, daughter of Hasmonean Alexandros,executed 29 BC, son Alexander, executed 7 BC,son Aristobulus IV, executed 7 BC. Not the most visit worthy king.
And then again, perhaps the Magi had a supreme talent all their lives for understanding, relating and remembering the stars. Perhaps they were born into a family who had loved the stars. Samson was born to extremely faithful people who found God's Plan to be challenging.
The Scriptures do not relate the incredible smooth lives of even Governors. Felix who was presented to Paul and argued the faith, lost his entire family to their vacation to Mt Vesuvius.
What we discover in reading of the diligent lives of God's People - He provides for them.
Romans 11:29
For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable.
2 Samuel 16:12
Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today.
Acts 13:48
When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
Romans 1:7
To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:30
And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.
If the Magi had apparently a good life, if they fought the good fight continually:
God calls His Presence, "Comfort."
Jesus calls this life, "Joy."
David helped commission Psalm 46 and said God is a Mighty Fortress.
Abba,
Your goodness and willingness provides us with daily Blessings. Building our lives.
What we do not see, You still provide with Your Bounty.
The Goodness of Your Plan for each of us. The Willingness of Your Mercy, Grace and Love flowing around us. Open our eyes to be blessing seekers and blessing receivers.
The Wind of The Holy Spirit with fight, encourage, protect, teach, enfold, Bless and uphold us to do His Plan in His Love. Enfolding those we Love. Enfolding our Blessings yet to be. Strengthening us to go forward to pray for those who do not know Him. To pray for our Nation, our schools, our employment, our safety and hopes. To believe the prayers around the world are working individually and together. Realizing all the good news is there.
Blessing those struggling with illness. Defeating Cancer and hurt bones and backs. Believing today we will do just a little more, and have a little more and find we are living and recovering. Blessing us to know more of Your Good Will, more Heaven on earth. Giving us this Day to find Good and be a blessing.
The Lord God Almighty's Only Son, Jesus, cover us with His Love and name.
Amen.
♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †
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