On Course all the Way to the Finish---Determination
Faithfully Following without Fanfare
Mt. 2:2,9,10
Rev. 22:16
16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. (KJV)
16 Yo Jesús he enviado mi ángel para daros testimonio de estas cosas en las iglesias. Yo soy la raíz y el linaje de David, y la estrella resplandeciente de la mañana. (RVG04)
2 P 1:19
19 ¶ We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: (KJV)
19 Tenemos además la palabra profética más segura, a la cual hacéis bien de estar atentos como a una lámpara que alumbra en lugar oscuro hasta que el día esclarezca, y el lucero de la mañana salga en vuestros corazones; (RVG04)
I. Not just a Stargazer, but a Star Catcher.
There are people whose job is to "scout" out new and amazing talented individuals. They are contact people who connect these people with agencies and organizations. Thus, in many cases, and in short order, that candidate becomes a "star".
The case before us today is different. Yes, there were "scouts" of a sort. These "wise men", were well trained in the study of the heavens. They noticed that this star was unique and different. But it was the Holy Spirit who put it in their heart to follow the course of this heavenly being and take a journey with a definite end.
It was not sufficient for them to observe this "star" from a stationary location.
II. God Still Seeks Sojourners and Pilgrims
sojourner = resident alien, foreigner
Motto of the Wise Men: WHEREVER, WHENEVER, HOWEVER
Seeking for a man to move in the right direction.
Prov. 28:12
12 ¶ When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. {hidden: or, sought for} (KJV)
12 Cuando los justos se alegran, grande es la gloria; mas cuando los impíos se levantan, los hombres se esconden. (RVG04)
Ezek. 22:30
30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. (KJV)
30 Y busqué entre ellos hombre que hiciese vallado y que se pusiese en la brecha delante de mí por la tierra, para que yo no la destruyese; y no lo hallé. (RVG04)
THERE IS A COST WHEN IT COMES TO REAL WORSHIP!
Beware of Cheap Worship!
These "wise men" accepted the task of pursuing the "star". This bright light moved and provided a focal point in relation to the earth that gave them daily direction.
It is of utmost importance that we follow the Lord from as close a perspective as possible.
God will take you places you have never imagined and by routes that you never had planned; but don't despair, plod on. There is great reward for the dilligent and determined.
III. Don't Lose Sight of the True Star
Ps. 112:7
7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. (KJV)
7 No tendrá temor de malas noticias; su corazón está firme, confiado en Jehová. (RVG04)
Without a doubt, the trip got weary, the rations got low, and the going got rough. These men are called wise for a reason. They stayed on course and did not turn back or turn aside.
It would have been easy to decide to follow another star. There were other bodies of light that easily could have grabbed their attention.
Just like today: Actors, Athletes, Politicians, Boyfriends (girlfriends), the Rich and Famous, etc. can easily enter into focus.
Sometimes the Shopping Mall or the Christmas meal and fellowship can pull us down a detour route.
Over the years, I have learned a little about detour routes. Many times it can become difficult to get back on track.
Other "stars" come into view and curiousity tickles our interests. We reason that a little sideline investigating will not hurt anything. Before you know it, we are in over our head and the "True Star" seems to have evaded us.
2 Co. 11:14
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (KJV)
14 Y no es de maravillarse, porque el mismo Satanás se disfraza como ángel de luz. (RVG04)
There are many things that we can enjoy in life that are wonderful; just don't indulge to the point that your following of the Star becomes hindered.
We must stay on God's timetable and with His agenda.
I am persuaded that some have settled for less than Gods' original plan for their life because they became deterred and detained gazing and grazing with the lesser stars.
There are Falling Stars, Shooting Stars, and Stars that Burnout. The Star of Stars will burn on to that Endless Day.
IV. Personal Stardom
Unfortunately, some get so caught up in life, that they believe that it all about them. It becomes a competition. We get jealous and envious. We feel that we should be getting all the attention and all the gifts.
If that is your case, then true joy will continue to evade you. You will become a miserable misfit. Follow the Star, not your ego.
V. At the End of theJourney
It was worth all the toil, all the time invested, and all the energy exherted. The wise men found the Christ King. And they worshipped with exceeding great joy.
That is still what brings satisfaction and fulfillment to our souls. Finding and fellowshipping with the King of Kings.
Mat. 10:22
22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. (KJV)
22 Y seréis aborrecidos de todos por causa de mi nombre, mas el que perseverare hasta el fin, éste será salvo. (RVG04)
It is not the most popular or the most populated path, but it is the most rewarding. Many will scoff at you, but press on and catch the Star.
VI. Catch Him on His Return as Well.
Lk. 21:11,25
11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (KJV)
11 Y habrá grandes terremotos en varios lugares, y hambres y pestilencias; y habrá espantos y grandes señales del cielo. (RVG04)25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (KJV)
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
25 Entonces habrá señales en el sol, en la luna y en las estrellas; y en la tierra, angustia de naciones en confusión; bramando el mar y las olas; (RVG04)
The "STAR" is still shining. In fact, He is coming our way. If you follow Him real close, you will get the opportunity to worship Him for all eternity.
