Farther Than The Eye Can See Series

1. Erik Weihenmeyer has led a remarkable life. He is the first blind person to reach the summit of Mt. Everest (2001). In 2008, he climbed his seventh summit highest peak on each continent). He has written books and produced a film of some of his accomplishments entitled, “Farther Than the Eye Can See.”

Erik has been able to walk by faith, not by sight. He has achieved what many others could not in spite of his blindness – or maybe because of it. He has not seen the dangers of the climbs – nor the spectacular sites. His companions were his eyes and directed his steps to the goal.

How very much like the wise men/magi! They were able to visibly see a star. Yet, they walked by faith to the Messiah with the direction of a God who knew their way.

2. Matthew 2.1-12

3. Magi are a mystery:

a. Where were they from? Do not know exactly

b. How many were there?

c. How did they know to follow the star?

d. A possibility – Genesis 25.5-6

5 Abraham gave all he had to Isaac. 6 But to the sons of his concubines Abraham gave gifts, and while he was still living he sent them away from his son Isaac, eastward to the east country.

4. Where there is no [prophetic] vision, the people are unrestrained,

But happy is he who keeps the law. Proverbs 29.18

a. Without teachings we don’t see

b. If we do not see we do not act

5. The account of the magi is one that is more than mere eyesight – it is vision for a goal that is greater than merely following a star; their journey involved:

I. Clear Communication (1-2)

A. God Speaks so that We Can Understand

[Islam – Koran can only be understood in Arabic – Bible in all languages

[How We Learn: Visual – 89%; Auditory – 10%; Tactile – 1%

1. Traditionally at Sinai God spoke the commandments in all the languages of the earth – amid fire and earthquakes, etc. – He used all of the senses to communicate

2. Pentecost – similar

3. Magi – coming with a lesson from the stars

4. God has used ordinary/everyday events to communicate:

Moses as a shepherd; Gideon threshing wheat; Peter washing his nets; Matthew collecting taxes; Wise men and stars

5. God impacts us in different ways:

a. Some by HEARING a message

b. Some by SEEING a movie; video clip, etc.

c. Some by EXPERIENCE of worship

B. God Speaks as the Incarnate Word

A Jewish lady named Mrs. Rosenberg who many years ago was stranded late one night at a fashionable resort - one that did not admit Jews. The desk clerk looked down at his book and said, "Sorry, no room. The hotel is full."

The Jewish lady said, "But your sign says that you have vacancies."

The desk clerk stammered and then said curtly, "You know that we do not admit Jews. Now if you will try the other side of town..."

Mrs. Rosenberg stiffened noticeable and said, "I’ll have you know I converted to your religion."

The desk clerk said, "Oh, yeah, let me give you a little test. How was Jesus born?"

Mrs. Rosenberg replied, "He was born to a virgin named Mary in a little town called Bethlehem."

"Very good," replied the hotel clerk. "Tell me more."

Mrs. Rosenberg replied, "He was born in a stable and laid in a manger."

"That’s right," said the hotel clerk. "And why was he born in a stable?" Mrs. Rosenberg said loudly, "Because a low-life like you in the hotel wouldn’t give a nice Jewish lady a room for the night!"

1. Yeshua (Jesus) came into the world on a mission – salvation and explanation – HOW do we live out the bible?

2. Look to Yeshua (Jesus) – John 1.1-3

II. Counting the Cost (3-8)

A. The Magi Knew it was a Difficult Journey

1. Danger of animals; robbers; elements; Politics – Herod

2. Distance – 1000 Miles?

[“Success is not only your destination but the obstacles you overcome to get there.”

~ Booker T. Washington

B. We Have a Demanding Journey

1. We know to Count Our Cost

27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build, and was not able to finish.’ Luke 14.27-30

2. Modern Example:

Khmu Christian Bounchan Kanthavong spent 12 years and eight months in prison in Laos for his faith. He was released in 2012. Before he came to faith in Christ, Bounchan was an assistant district governor for the communists. In his travels throughout the country he came in contact with Christians and a Christian radio program. One evening he asked a Christian to explain some of the teachings. He believed in Jesus and was baptized. From that point he did not stop preaching about Jesus in spite of governmental warnings. As a result he was imprisoned and tortured for his faith.