[NIV] 1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,
during the time of King Herod, Magi from the eastcame to Jerusalem 2 and asked, "Where is the one whohas been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when itrose and have come to worship him."
[NLT] 1 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. Aboutthat time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 "Whereis the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come toworship him." - P130
5 "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is whatthe prophet has written: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in theland of Judah, are by no means least among the rulersof Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shep-herd my people Israel."
5 "In Bethlehem in Judea," they said, "for this is what the prophet wrote: 6 ‘And you,
O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, fora ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel." - P130
11 On coming to the house, they saw the child withhis mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipedhim. Then they opened their treasures and presentedhim with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they boweddown and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him giftsof gold, frankincense, and myrrh. - P131
During the time of King Herod, Magi from the east come to Jerusalem. Theyask for the whereabouts of the one who has been born king of the Jews.
- P131
King Herod is disturbed and finds out that the Messiah was to be born inBethlehem. He sends the Magi to Bethlehem, and when they see Jesus, theyworship Him and present Him with gifts. - P131
The journey of the pagan astrologers from the East reveals to us that,
through Jesus, God meets us where we are and leads us to where He iscalling us to be. - P132
The diligent search of the Magi stands in direct contrast to the apathy of Israel‘s religious leaders. - P132
Although these Gentilesdid not possess the scriptural promises regarding the birthplace of theMessiah, they responded to the revelation they received from God whilethe leaders of the Jews failed to act on the promises of God that werecontained in His Word. - P132
Believers today have been given an even greaterrevelation than the Magi and the teachers of the law, for we have the ful-fillment of God‘s promise in the person of Jesus Christ. - P132
Let us take holdof this great privilege and live every day wholeheartedly for the Lord. - P132
Dear Jesus, You are our Savior, our King, and our Friend. - P133
We want to walkwith You for the rest of our lives. May we never be too distracted to seek andworship You. In Your name, amen. - P133
In Vietnam, historical Christian communities like the Catholic church are allowed a certainamount of freedom, but Protestant Christians are more likely to face persecution for theirfaith. - P132
This is especially the case for believers from ethnic minorities in central and northernVietnam. Christians who leave their tribal religions are condemned as traitors, so many arerisking their lives to follow Jesus. - P132
Pray that God would give comfort and strength to thepersecuted believers in Vietnam, encouraging them to stand firm. - P132
The Bushi people of Mayotte moved to the French archipelago from Madagascar in thelatter half of the nineteenth century. - P132
The older generations live according to the traditionalIslamic way of life, while younger generations are more influenced by secular French culture.
- P132
Nevertheless, Islam remains an important part of the Bushi identity, which makes them veryresistant to the gospel. - P132
Pray that God would send faithful workers into this harvest field toshare the love of Christ with the Bushi. - P132
|