Responses to the King
Series: Expecting the Unexpected
December 23, 2018
Frank Foreman
How are you supposed to act in the company of royalty. If you came face to face with a king, how would you respond? A slight nod? A bow or curtsy? Maybe a high-five? Frank concludes this brief Christmas series of messages from the book of Matthew, Expecting the Unexpected," by looking at the familiar story of the Magi--wise men from the East who followed the Star.
Episode Notes
COMING FACE TO FACE WITH THE REALITY OF JESUS ALWAYS PROVOKES A RESPONSE
What did the wise men believe and how did they respond?
- They sought to worship the newborn King of the Jews.
- Mark 9:23-24, And Jesus said to him, “‘If You can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
- Trust in Jesus grows stronger as it is exercised.
What did King Herod believe and how did he respond?
- He sought to kill the prophesied Ruler of Israel.
- James 2:19-20, You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?
- Belief in Jesus is more than acknowledging the facts.
What do I believe and how will I respond?
- We seek to bow our knee and confess with our mouths that Jesus Christ is Lord.
- Philippians 2:9-11, Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
- Responding to Jesus is expressed through our actions now and for eternity.
Luke 1:38, And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
CHALLENGE: Trust God’s message, believe it entirely, and respond in agreement.
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