The Rev. Charles Barebo, Deacon
January 3, 2016
Following a Star
Finding Jesus is no
easy matter. Our faith journey is not scripted. Life’s journeys come with
unknowns, risks and rewards. The wise men’s incredible journey is no different;
it is complete with a goal, diversions and reaching their goal. This theme
seems to repeat itself in our lives as well. Matthew tells a remarkable story
of faith in this story. And he sets up the conflict of Jesus and God’s Kingdom
versus the forces of ego, power and greed that will culminate in the
resurrection.
The wise men undertake a perilous journey. No maps, no
established roads, plentiful thieves and brigands, few inns and unknowns in
terms of food and water. They are traveling to pay homage to the new born king
of the Jews. They have faith in a scriptural prophecy and followed a star. This
is a story of faith, tremendous faith; a model for us two thousand years later.
Matthew’s story of conflict between God’s Kingdom and evil
starts at the beginning of the second chapter of his gospel. Herod’s tenuous
claim to kingship is partly derived from marrying into the family of the Maccabees.
He is the corrupt, insecure, false king of the Jews. He is propped up by the
Roman occupiers who seek a shallow pawn to manipulate. He is supported by the
chief priests and scribes. All seek to secure their claims in power and riches,
at the cost of God’s kingdom. Threatened by this news of the birth of the
legitimate king of the Jews foretold in scripture, Herod seeks to use the wise
men to unknowingly betraying Jesus location.
Thus begins the conflict between the Son of God and His
kingdom and the forces of evil. The elements of evil; fear, greed, ego, and a
desire for power are still at work in our world today. The wise men see Herod
for what he is. They follow their star to Bethlehem and are “overwhelmed with
joy” when they find the child. They worship the new born king. They open their
“treasure chests” and offer their gifts of great value. The gift the wise men
give us today is the gift of faith, faith and wise discernment of their call,
and the example that following our faith requires discernment and tenacity. It
was not and still is not always easy to be faithful.
And so it is with our journeys. We, too, seek to find this
king, Jesus. Our guiding star is the gospels. Herod is still with us today with
the same old diversions; insecurity, fear, ego, greed and false power. The
tools of evil seek to destroy our families and friends, communities and
government, our faith in our fellow man, our very selves and hearts. They seek
to hide the star that we follow to meet Jesus.
To find the king is not an easy journey. There are no maps
or charts. The way is fraught with peril. We must follow the star, our star the
gospels. We must remain vigilant for Herod and his tools and avoid them. We
must discern our path in our personal lives, our church lives and in the
greater community. And when we encounter the King, we too, must be prepared to
open our treasure chests. The only treasure our king desires is our hearts –
for where our hearts are there will be our treasure also.
And if we have the courage, wisdom and faith of the wise men
we will follow our star to the king. And be prepared to give him our treasure,
our hearts. Amen
