Into Which Class Do You Fit?

Good News – December 2017 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Into Which Class Do You Fit?

“Now Jesus having been born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king, behold magi from the east arrived at Jerusalem ...” —Matthew 2:1 JND

From His very birth, the Lord Jesus became a divider of men. Today, those like the magi embrace the truth of God by faith and become true worshipers. Others, like Herod, reject the testimony of God’s Word and become enemies of Christ.

Actually, the magi and Herod had several things in common. Both sought for Jesus. Both were diligent in their search. Both had a revelation from God: the magi by means of the star which guided them, and Herod through the prophetic Scriptures which were read to him by the chief priests and scribes.

But here the similarity stops. Herod was troubled at the news of Jesus’ birth while the magi rejoiced. Herod listened to the Scriptures with the evil intention of finding where Christ was born that he might kill him; the magi followed the guiding star God had provided with expectancy and reverence. Herod was deceitful and cruel while the magi were open and obedient.

Coming into the house these magi saw the little child with Mary, His mother. Worshiping Him, they opened their treasures and gave Him precious and symbolic gifts: gold speaking of His divinity, frankincense telling of that perfect devotedness to God that His entire life would display, and myrrh foretelling the sufferings which He would endure at Calvary’s cross.

What a startling contrast between these worshiping wise men from the east and that hate-filled king called Herod! Likewise, what a contrast there is today between those who truly love and worship Christ, and those who hate Him without a cause.

Into which class do you fit, dear friend? You can become a believer in and worshiper of Jesus Christ right now! We can tell you how.

By Grant Steidl