The Close Are Very Far And The Far Are Very Close - Pastor Tim Dilena - Times Square Church - 12.06.2020

When the Lord Jesus was born he was visited by wise men who travelled a great distance from the East to bring gifts. Meanwhile, King Herod was already trying to have Jesus killed. This dichotomy is present throughout the life of Christ, as many who would seem to be far away from the Kingdom of God according to the traditions of the day are brought into the fold and many who occupied positions of religious influence who should have been close to God end up far away from Him in their hearts. Jesus truly brought about a revolution in the hearts of man and immediately caused battle lines to be drawn. Let us reflect on what the Lord has done for us and give Him praise and glory that while we were once far away that He made a path of reconciliation for us to draw near to God. Let us also remember that even those around us who seem furthest away from Jesus can still be brought home.

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, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 2:1-11