“All the counsel you have received has only worn you out “All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you.

Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame.” Isaiah 47:13-14a

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers of rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:15-17

The magi model perseverance in their journey to find Christ The magi model perseverance in their journey to find Christ. Let’s learn from their example about how we can strongly pursue Christ every day.

Will you persevere as you follow Christ… 1) …even when the journey is challenging?

“Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 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 2:1b-2

“’I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace “’I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’” John 16:33

Will you persevere as you follow Christ… 2) …with the right motives?

“He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and carefully search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.’” Matthew 2:8

Herod’s Victims Brother-in-law Mother-in-law Wife 3 sons Male babies in Bethlehem

“He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.” 1 Corinthians 4:5b

Will you persevere as you follow Christ… 3) …with generosity?

“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 2:11

Frankincense – Incarnation Myrrh – Sacrificial death The 3 gifts Gold – Jesus’ divinity Frankincense – Incarnation Myrrh – Sacrificial death

Will you persevere as you follow Christ… 4) …with a fresh, new perspective?

“And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” Matthew 2:12

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29

Which team am I on? ___ Hostile Herod ___ Passive priests ___ Mobilized magi

“When the first spark of a desire after God arrives in your soul, cherish it with all your care, give all your heart unto it. Follow it as gladly as the wise men of the East followed the star from heaven that appeared to them.

It will do for you as the star did for them It will do for you as the star did for them. It will lead you to the birth of Jesus, not in a stable at Bethlehem of Judea, but to the birth of Jesus in your own soul.” William Law