December 16th, 2007 - Wise Men

Praise the Lord!   Mrs. Bear came through her operation and the tumor was removed before any serious damage could be done. The doctors believe it was benign. Jennifer says thanks for all the prayers I told her to take advantage of Bear’s true love and get a little R & R.  Jen deserved it for taking care of Bear all these years. Blue, I still haven't heard from you about your dad. There are plenty to pray for. Thanks to Powerman's constant effort to keep up with folks we found out about Jennifer's need for prayer. Keep up the good work Powerman and Evelyn who mans the Chaplain's phone and computer when I'm on the road. Thanks to the Butcher I was on the road Thursday with my District Manger from Modern Woodmen of America. Thanks to Laney's constant support of my preaching this last year I have the ability to accomplish what I do. Thank you Lord for the 13th Congoleese!

  Matthew 2:1 "there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem".   The story of the wise men attending to the birth of Jesus is never declared by biblical passage that the number is three.   As far as we know, it could be two or some other number as long as it is plural because of the term “men” is plural. I've grown to understand when the Bible leaves something out of the story it's not to create a controversy, but it is left out because it is unimportant to the lesson at hand. They came from the east once again it doesn't say where they came from, that is how far east. Let us remember travel back then was for more difficult than today. My Granddaddy grew up when people still use horses and wagons it's about 12 miles to town I asked him one time how long it took to get to town he said about 3 hours in the sun, or the cold longer in the rain. So, while I have no idea where the wise men were from or where they were when they noticed the star, I know they traveled to Jerusalem, to Bethlehem and then back to where ever they came from. They ultimately would spend days and travel at best was difficult. Verse 2 says they came to worship Him.  Truly, they were wise men. John 4:23-24 "But the hour cometh and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth" Are you a wise man?

                                               Love the Chaplain Tex