The Pilgraimage

The Bible tells us that After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea . . . Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?” (Mt. 2:1a,2 NIV)

What an enigma surrounds the Magi. We know they practiced astrology—not to be confused with astronomy. Astrology was a forbidden activity for the Hebrew people. (Deut. 18:11) Yet the the wisemen were God’s chosen vessels—sent to announce the arrival of King Jesus.

We might also be outside the acceptable codes or practices for God’s children—involved in forbidden activity. But we are not outside God’s grace. The story of the wisemen tells us salvation is for all people. God invites us, just as He invited the Magi, to make a pilgrimage—to seek a revelation of Jesus.

Originally published December 23, 1983.

His Gift to Us

Both general sins, the kind committed by people as a whole, and specific sins, the kind committed by an individual, can be overwhelming.

We're often plagued by one of two problems when dealing with our overwhelming sinful nature. We might refuse to acknowledge the sin because the thought is too much for us—so we do not accept God's gift of salvation. Or we might be overcome by guilt because the sin seems so awful that it cannot be forgiven—so we do not accept God's gift of salvation.

A psalmist looked at our dilemma differently. He wrote, If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness. . . . (Ps. 130:3,4a NIV)

The psalmist was not downcast or dismayed when he reflected on his sinful state because he looked beyond himself and directed his attention to the One who can provide a solution. He affirmed the nature of God, because God, not people, holds the key. The psalmist recognized that, with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. (v. 7b)

God clearly states in His Word—including the Old Testament—that salvation for forgiveness from sin is a gift that He provides. Our sinful nature is real and fearsome—but God’s solution is big enough to take care of it.

Originally published January 14, 1983.
Picture: Como Park Conservatory, St. Paul, 2009. Photo by Solveig.