As we approach another time of celebration of the birth of Jesus who is called Christ; during this holiday observed the world round known as “Christmas” our Pastor Teacher, Landis Fisher is continuing a mini-series highlighting some of the beautiful facets and facts of the season which have been couched in the Scriptures and are a delight to be reminded of at this season. Listen in today as he continues our series with a message which he has titled: “Messiah the Righteous King”
Old Testament Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:6 – 8 (KJV)
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isa 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Isa 9:8 The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.
New Testament Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1 – 11 (KJV)
Mat 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Mat 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Mat 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
Mat 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
Mat 2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
Mat 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
Mat 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
Mat 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
Mat 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
Mat 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Mat 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Transforming Power Statements:
1) At the first Advent there were many misunderstanding just who Messiah was, what He was to do, and how all the pieces were supposed to fit together; just as there are still many today in the same boat, also not knowing theses same things making it necessary for the ones who are understanding the First Advent to give a correct Biblical account of the facts surrounding the “Most important event” in human history thus far, and how to best benefit from it unto salvation.
2) The two stages of “Messianic Operations” are clearly revealed by Isaiah the Prophet in this text very clearly and have been known and read for thousands of years, yet even the second Advent which too is concealed in OT Scriptures, shall top the “First Advent” in ultimate importance and then become the very most important event in human history; although it continues to be currently met with either unbelief by multitudes, misunderstanding, animosity, denial, and a host of other negative reactions by the lost; and sometimes even among the saved.
3) Just as the “Wise Men” sought Jesus at His first Advent and recieved direct Spiritual guidance to lead them to proper action and favor from God, it behooves all of us today to meditate on what the Holy Scriptures are saying with faith and trust in Messiah the Righteous King, Who will also lead and guide us during these troubling times as well as we approach the time of the final Advent!
