The first eight verses from the Prologue answers the basic questions of “Who?”, “What?”, ” “When?”, Where?” and “How?”. Included in these opening verses is the most critical question: The purpose of the book…the “Why?” These opening pages promises an incentive for reading and understanding the contents of its pages: A simple but yet dynamic blessing.
These first eight verses can easily be grouped into three sections: the introduction, the greetings and doxology, and the book’s main theme.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
Revelation 1: 1-3
Introduction
Who?
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” The book’s topic is all about the revelation of Jesus. The reader must keep this in mind so that the beasts and other symbols don’t replace or cover up Jesus. The book is a “revealing” of Jesus Christ. The Greek word for Revelation is apokalupsis (the Apocalypse). It is a compound word of apo (away from) and kalupsis (a veiling or covering). Thus, the “apocalypse” means and “unveiling” or an “uncovering.” This denotes a disclosure of something that was previously “covered up.” or “concealed.”
Included in the “who?” question is the person of John, our earthly guide through its pages. He personalizes the information and writes what he saw, heard, and felt.
What?
“…God gave Him to show His servants…” God (The Father) gives Jesus (The Son) information to show to “His servants ” information. This information is mainly for those who serve Jesus. They are active followers of Jesus down through the ages. Therefore, it does not appear to be for anyone else, such as the enemies of God or the unbelievers. However, as we will see, there is a remarkable transformation (blessing) promised for anyone “with an ear” who hears this information and follows up with action or doing.
When?
“things which must shortly take place…” (These words are repeated at the end of the book in Revelation 22: 6 like book ends) This small section of this verse has troubled some readers because 2,000 years have passed since John wrote these words. If you include Daniel’s similar words as he revealed the vision of the rise and fall of nations (Daniel 2:28), we can add several hundred years to the timeline. In our way of thinking, this is not a short period of time. But, we must keep in mind a couple of things. First, God does not view the passing of time as we do, neither should we when we understand the character of God. Peter explains to us:
“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
2 Peter 3:8
So in comparing the whole of time, to God it has only been 2 days since John was given the visions! The context of Peter’s statement is regarding the timing of the second coming of Jesus Christ. A concern of all Christians since He first ascended into heaven. Peter goes on to explain why there is an “apparent” delay in the return of Christ:
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness,but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. v. 9
God is longsuffering (patient). Why? Because he doesn’t want any person to “perish.” But, what does “perish” have to do with the second coming? Within the context of Peter’s declaration of God’s patience is the ultimate end of those who will not repent and therefore perish. God’s longsuffering goes all the way to the end of time and beyond! The events of Revelation will reveal to us Jesus’ coming and its destructive nature, which includes the end of any more opportunities to repent and turn to Him for salvation. The events which shortly must come to pass ultimately describes the perfection that comes out of the chaos.
Secondly, as we take the Historicist view of Revelation we will understand that “those things which must shortly come to pass” was “soon” for those who lived through the early prophecies of Revelation. As we progress through the rise and fall of nations and the history of the church, the prophecies that are fulfilled during those particular times were “soon enough” for those at that time. Likewise, the remaining prophecies regarding the actual coming of Christ will be “soon enough” for us. Even though Jesus told His servants to watch and pray that we are not surprised by the thief. It will still be an a time we do not expect.
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Matthew 24:44
Where?
When John received these visions and wrote them down, he was in prison on the Island of Patmos. He is still on earth, but like Paul is “caught up in vision”. Where he heard and saw things around the throne of God.
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.
2 Corinthians 12;2
Paul “heard inexpressible words” (v. 3) John heard and saw similar things as did Daniel and other prophets. This may be the reasons symbols are used to described things that are “inexpressible.”
The point is this. God meets us where we are. We are on earth in the soupy mix of sin, death, confusion and misery. But, through a vision of the future that God gives us hope and happiness. There are “things” He has prepared for us, Their description is “inexpressible.”. Paul again tells the believers what John conveys in the whole book of Revelation:
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9
How?
“… And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John.” The Greek word for signify is sēmainō which translates as “show or explain by a sign or symbol.” In other places in the Bible the signification is figurative and relates to something in the future. A good example of the word used by John describes the type of death of Jesus would die. It was yet future but was “shortly to come to pass.” in the time of the Apostles.
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself. ” This He said, signifying (sēmainō) by what death He would die.
John 12:32-33
The use of symbols were things John was familiar with in his time, e.g., candlesticks, beasts, shields, horses, lambs, sacrifices, etc. “The setting for revelation is the ancient sanctuary, which in itself is a complex symbol. Not only the place itself but its furniture, priests and the regularly scheduled services are symbols of things that are “inexpressible.” A good understanding of the sanctuary on earth, which is a shadow of the one in heaven, would add to a deeper understanding of Revelation since this is the all-encompassing symbol of the plan of salvation
“Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavensshould be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which arecopies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;
Hebrews 9: 23-24
God’s “way” (Greek word dereḵ for the direction of the journey or pathway) is found in the sanctuary.
Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God?
Psalm 77:13
Why? (Purpose)
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
The incentive for us to read is to “bless” us or make us happy. The Greek word for “blessed” is makarios which means (‘happy) from which the word “macarism” (happiness) is derived. It is the same word used by Jesus in the Beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5: 3-12). Secondly, it is to prepare us and the world to be ready for those things “which shortly must come to pass.”
John will use the word “blessed” 7 times in Revelation. It therefore, demonstrates the completeness of happiness for those who reads, hears, and keeps those things written…Why? Because the time is near. The happiness for those who do these things can start today.
Summary
So the story of Revelation is about Jesus from start to finish and His mediation for us as the High Priest of the heavenly sanctuary before He comes. The great truth about Jesus and the prophecies are expressed in symbols. Many prophecies have been fulfilled, but many are yet to come. In either case, the time was and is short. It was written for those “with an ear” which is symbolically is saying it is for everyone, but especially for those who willing to to know, to learn, and respond.
God’s delivery of the message starts with God the Father who sent it to Jesus, and then to an angel (messenger) who passed it on to John and now us. If we have an ear and are willing, we will find happiness on earth before the return of Christ. That is purpose of this book…It is for you to read, understand, and keep.
This begins a multi-part series on Revelation. It is the book of the hour, but there is so much confusion over its contents. As I write this, I am preparing with two other facilitators for an interdenominational verse-by-verse study of Daniel and Revelation.
It will be a zoom class for those who want an in-depth study of end-time events from Revelation that is supported by the many other prophets, most particularly the book of Daniel.
The ideal person for this study is either unchurched but feels the Holy Spirit’s conviction or the person who is not afraid to let the scriptures speak to them personally and therefore is not denominationally dogmatic. The purpose of the study is not to convert anyone to any particular denomination. What you do with the information is up to the person. The goal is for all to come to more excellent knowledge and an increased measure of faith in Jesus. John’s book is a “Revelation” of Jesus Christ. It starts and ends with Jesus. We are promised a blessing if we read and understand this inspired book. As John tells us in the opening verses of Revelation,
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. Revelation 1:3
Much thanks to Ranko Stefanovic and his fine commentary on Revelation of Jesus Christ for much of this material
4 Main Methods of Interpretation
Teachers often follow one of four methods in the study of Revelation. This will usually result in forcing passages to conform to their method. But many contemporary teachers have found value in combining the most vital elements of two or more.
Below we will briefly review the four methods of interpretation: Preterist, the Idealistic, the Futurist, and the Historical approaches.
1.) Preterism
The Book of Revelation is focused on the issues of the Christian church in the Roman province of Asia during the 1st century.
The primary purpose of Revelation was to encourage the churches to endure because the Lord would be coming soon and overthrow Rome and rescue His people
It contains no prophecies beyond the 1st century. And does not provide insight into the events leading to the return of Jesus and the establishment of His kingdom.
Problem with Preterism
Since it limits the writings of John the Revelator to the events taking place in the first century, it does not provide insight into the events leading to the return of Jesus and the establishment of His kingdom.
There is no extra-biblical history to support the Preterist assumption of empire-wide systematic persecution of the first-century church
Revelation itself refers to local persecution of the Christians in Asia. Example Revelation 2:10, 13, 3:10. John was a victim of this Asian persecution and was exiled to Patmos (Rev. 1:9). (Note: This is not to say severe persecution would come upon the church at many places and at later times.)
Preterismdenies the prophetic character of Revelation for ages from the first century to our time and the coming of Christ.
Even though the messages to the churches can apply to believers at any time in history, the Preterist approach limits the news about the conditions of churches, believers, and enemies of the church to John’s day. Therefore, it would have little to say about the church’s journey through the dark ages and up to our time.
Because of the elimination of the prophecies of the end-time Christians, it denies the God who knows the future of His people to the end.
For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done,”
Isaiah 46: 9-10
2.) Idealism
Argues against any historical purpose through John’s use of symbolism.
Sees Revelation as a symbolic description of the ongoing struggle between good and evil. It does not apply Revelation to any particular historical time or place.
Shares much with the Preterist’s view. They do not see a literal or historical picture of John’s vision
Assumes the purpose of Revelation is to stress ethical truth that applies to any person at any time.
Problem with Idealism
The issues with Idealism are very similar to the problems with Preterism. This approach discounts the prophetic power of the vision given to John for future generations.
3.) Futurism
It contrasts with Preterism and Idealism completely.
It pushes the prophecies in Revelation to the future (Chapter 4-22), even to those of us today. The approach sees John’s recorded signs as taking place just before and after the Second Coming.
Thus, the Book of Revelation prophecies are mostly relevant to those who are “left behind” after those who are in Christ are removed from planet Earth.
Futurism is the basis of, perhaps, the most popular view of mainline evangelical churches today.
Problem with Futurism
Encourages believers to ignore or, at the least, minimize the prophecies in the Revelation. The prophecies are considered to be relevant only to those “left behind” who weren’t saved the first time or to the lost.
Has been made popular by unreliable extra-biblical books and movies. This has made it easy for people to accept the Futurist conclusions using popular “entertaining” sources.
It disregards the end-time education that would come from the historical markers of the journey of God’s people from the beginning to our time and the practical application to prepare for enduring times of trouble that is to come upon “the whole world.” One prominent preacher promoting Futurism said,
“I don’t have to worry about the end-time events or the beast of Revelation 13 because I won’t be here.”
That statement is presumptuous, but many Christians have adopted this point of view. But it begs this question, “What if they find themselves on earth when the time of trouble comes?” Does God not ask us to prepare spiritually for those days? It might be appealing to believe that Christians will not have troubles, but that is not what Jesus tells us. Jesus tells us to watch and pray:
“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
4.) Historicism
The Historic view understands that the visions given by God and recorded by John the Revelator provide a symbolic presentation of the prophetic outline of the course of the church from apostolic times to the time of the end and beyond. It is the history of the gospel era and God’s plan to eliminate sin for all time.
Revelation has two main sections: Historical and Eschatological. The condition of the seven churches is literal and symbolic of the church at various times during its journey, including our day. Many of the things yet future are for our generation and those alive at the soon return of Jesus Christ.
The Historicist view is all-encompassing and reinforces the prophetic powers of God as communicated to John and other Bible prophets and eventually to “all who have an ear.”
The Historicist application reveals the strong relationship of the prophecies and visions in Revelation to the signs and visions of other prophets of God in the Old Testament, particularly the book of Daniel. It provides a sequential view of the rise and fall of nations and its effects of God’s people in each generation. Many scholars have considered Daniel to be the key that unlocks Revelation.
Many of Daniel and John’s prophecies predict future events to specific generations. But as time passed, the future events became history to them. In this way, Revelation continually gives Christians in each era an inside look at “what will shortly take place.”
Generations have been able to look back through events that confirm the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. Our generation is in the unique position to look back through reliable extra-biblical history books over most of the gospel era (some contemporary to the events predicted) and appreciate how God’s prophecies have been fulfilled. This gives us confidence in God’s power and the prophecies still yet future.
Problem with Historicism
Historists will sometimes try to force each verse into a historist’s viewpoint. However, there are often times when the strengths of the other views should be considered.
Conclusion
Preterism, Idealism have elements of truth, i.e., the overall universal message to God’s people of any age.
Futurism message has the element of truth regarding being ready for the “rapture.” But it has little value to understanding the trials of the early church and as it went through persecution during the different ages, particularly the dark and reformation ages. It places little to no relevance on the church’s history and the end-time church.
The Historical (or timeline view) view combined with the vital elements of the other ideas provide a well-rounded and biblical view of the visions of John.
The Historic view is strengthened by the solid parallels and consistency with the prophecies recorded in Daniel and other prophetic books of the Bible.
The story of the plan of salvation and the challenges put forth by the enemy is more apparent when we study the history of God’s people and their struggle with the originator of rebellion against God. It has often been said, “We learn about the future from the past.”
Seeing the prophecies confirmed throughout the church’s history increases our faith in the scripture. The Historicist approach gives us wisdom and insight into the hand the enemy will play at the end of time. This better prepares us and gives us faith and trust in God
“We have nothing to fear for the future unless we forget how God has led in the past.”
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet
“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”
The following is based pirimarily on Matthew 2:1-18 and Luke 2: 1-18
Inspiration and Timing for our Journey
Our journey from Persia where the great Hebrew prophet Daniel resided many years ago has been difficult. It was the Hebrew prophets like Isaiah , Micah, and others who inspired our journey. We carefully studied their prophecies about the coming Messiah, but it was Daniel, who wrote of the timing of the Savior’s arrival. It was going to be very soon! Micah disclosed the city of Bethlehem as our destination. But Daniel gave us the time of his arrival:
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” Micah 5:2
“Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; Daniel 9: 25
We had a place and a start time for the clock of prophecy. We knew from the book of Ezra that the decree to restore and build Jerusalem was given by Artaxerxes the king of Persia to Ezra the priest in the fall of 457 BC. Our careful calculation to the Messiah starts here and moves forward 69 weeks. This is 483 days or years by applying the day to year principal as indicated by the other Hebrew prophets. The timing was tantalizing close to our time. To encourage us even more, we saw a star in the east that beaconed us to start our journey.
The People and Sights Along the Way
We have fought sandstorms, cold, and that never-ending heat! My back aches from the monotonous rocking of my camel’s steps. It is like riding on a slow-moving boat pushed back and forth continually by repetitive ocean waves; perhaps another reason they call them ships of the desert. Despite all this, I am sure our inconveniences will be rewarded! We have put our hearts and time into this journey. We are certain the prophecies from the ancient scrolls are accurate.
The camels have done well, but like us, they enjoy the breaks we often take and the people we meet along the way. When we pass through the many villages, the beasts become the center of attention for the children who try to feed them hay and anything else they can find.
The adults are filled with questions about our journey and our destination. They want to know where we come from. Their wide eyes reveal they are impressed with the distance we have traveled. We are glad to share with them the news of the Messiah and what we know from the ancient scrolls. Some consider us crazy, but many listen and wish they could go with us. They call it an adventure, but we know it is more…so much more.
Night time is my favorite part of the day because of the brightness of the star guiding us and the peace that comes from the quiet; disturbed only by the crackling fire and the occasional snort of a tired camel. Our conversation around the fire is pleasant and lulls me into a deep sleep.
The star is a constant reminder of the accuracy of the scrolls and a confirmation of our journey. Many people we have met have seen the unusually bright star and wondered. They don’t know what it means but are comforted by its beauty and marvel that its magnificence is not diminished by the light of day. When we started, it was low on the horizon, but it is rising and become brighter as we have drawn nearer to our destination, Bethlehem!
I lean back on the saddle I have used as a pillow and enjoy the warmth of the fire. I am warm and content. My journal and mind are filling up with my notes. I make this entry under the light from the twinkling star-lit night.
Now, we are only one day out from Jerusalem. We hope to visit King Herod and celebrate with him the coming of the Messiah. The town is surely busy with activity and celebration even though it has taken us many months to get this far.
Our anticipation grows so much that we wake in the clearness of the so we can arrive in Jerusalem early in the morning to seek audience with the king before we head off to Bethlehem only about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) to the south of the capital city.
So I rise with the others, full of energy and anticipation of the day ahead of us. We mount our ships of the desert, who match our excitement to start moving again. This is going to be a good day! I can feel it!
The early morning air is cold and the star brighter than ever! We hear music in the distance! As we approach the outskirts of Jerusalem, we are greeted by shepherds watching over their sheep. With wonder in their eyes, they run up to our caravan and ask us the usual questions about us: our destination and home.
I tell them the story of our journey and our wish to see the new baby king. They are polite and respectful and let us speak first. When we have a pause, they begin to talk fast and together as if they will burst if their words are not heard. Wonder and curiosity force us to quickly dismount our camels and gather around them. They calm themselves and begin to talk one at a time. Then begins their beautiful story of the events when the Messiah was born.
“We were in the field at night when we heard the sound of singing and joy and there was light all around us that lit up the countryside like it was daytime….only brighter.“
Then the next one speaks with equal intensity.“We were afraid! I turned my eyes toward the ground”
A third young man, a little older, says, “The brightness was coming from an angel who told us tofear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
“The angel told us to go to the city of David where we would find Christ the Lord and we would find a babywrapped in *swaddling clothes lying in a manger.” (*See note at the end.)
Another one talks before the older one finishes,”The music continued and many more angels appeared high in the night sky!”
It is starting to come all together for me. The older boy exclaims with confidence, “That star you have followed are angels. They began to sing again as your caravan approached us.”
The youngest one blurts out, “After the angels appeared to us, we left our flocks and raced towards Bethlehem. There we found a woman by the name of Mary and her husband Joseph and there in a manger was the baby they call Jesus.”
My heart pounds faster as I realize we now know the name of the king! His name is Jesus! In the Greek, it means “Jehovah is Salvation.” The Hebrew name is Joshua. His mission is in His Name!
Their eyes are bright and they all nod their heads in agreement when the older shepherd boy slows down his words and says with tears in his eyes. “Our hearts are changed! We can’t stop talking about that night and the baby Jesus. We have told everyone! Even Mary rejoiced at our story!”
The visit with the young men has inspired and energized us! We have also learned the name of the mother and father! It is an easier climb back on my camel. Our strength has been renewed as well as our urgency to get to Bethlehem. The music and praise in the heavens grow louder and brighter even as the yellow and orange of the sunrise pushes us toward Jerusalem and King Herod.
We arrive in Jerusalem by mid-morning. The angel star is quiet. The smell of food awakens our hunger. But, our great desire to see the king as soon as possible overrides all our other senses.
There is a crowd to meet us. It is easy to notice they are not like the excited shepherds. They are curious and seem afraid and worried. Maybe it is our large caravan and the way we look. Our skin and clothes are different.
We finally arrive at the king’s palace and request an audience with him. To my surprise, we are immediately invited in. A few of us go and the others mix with the growing crowd outside telling them of our journey and the new story from the shepherds which they had already heard. And of course, the children ask many questions and try to feed the camels.
We wait for a long time before we are welcomed into the king’s presence. King Herod reflects the same aura as the people outside. He looks concerned. For a moment I wonder if we made a mistake coming here.
I am the first one to speak. In my excitement, I blurt out words without considering that I am talking to a king.
“Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”
I begin to think this was not a good question and statement…asking a reigning king about a king that will rule the Jews in the future. The king struggles to stay polite and excuses himself. We can hear him calling all his wise men and priests together, who were standing close by. He tries to whisper so we can’t hear, but the cold palace lets his voice carry easily through its halls. Well, we didn’t get off to a good start.
He is angry and demands they tell him where this Christ would be born. We hear them quote the same scrolls we studied before and after we left on our long journey. The word “Bethlehem of Judea” is heard clearly.
We look at each other with the same surprise. They have taken the words of their ancient prophets so lightly. I feel foreboding and regret rising up within me as the king invites us back into his private chambers.
A forced smile appears on his troubled face. He apologizes for not being more hospitable and invites us to have some food and something to drink. I am uncomfortable. The meeting is uncomfortable. We politely eat some of the food even though our hunger is of a different sort.
He asks about our trip and we tell him about our long journey, the star in the east, and the shepherds we met just outside of town. We sense we should not be telling the king anything and look for an excuse to leave quickly.
Then he asks us a question he was eager to know. It seemed to be the main reason for his talking with us hinged on this question.
“When was it you first saw the star and began the journey ?”
Reluctantly, I tell him it has been almost two years. He then says in almost a whisper and an evil voice,
“Go and search for him and when you find him, bring him here to the palace that I might worship him too.”
With a jump and quick turn around, he immediately leaves us and disappears back into the palace.
The attendant escorts us back to our caravan and the crowd that has gathered. We never expected to have such a greeting. I along with my friends have become suspicious and concerned. We are glad to get back on our camels and back to following the star which has turned us south towards the sleepy little village of Bethlehem.
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Bethlehem
The sun has risen fast. It waits for no one. We continue our journey south towards Bethlehem. It is a short distance, but we travel slowly enjoying the final leg of our journey. It will be dark before we arrive.
The excitement of seeing the new king of the Jews comes back to our hearts as we travel along silently contemplating the events of last night and this morning. The crowds have disappeared.
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There before us, lies the twinkling lights of the little city of Bethlehem! The star is just above the peaceful town shining its clear light and casting shadows on the surrounding hillside. How beautiful it is! We feel happiness and express our joy and congratulations to each other. A journey of hundreds of miles has brought us to this moment! A small group of people come to greet us at the entrance to the village. We ask for Mary and Joseph.
The star is almost directly overhead, as a sweet girl escorts us to a tiny house near the edge of town.
Dismounting our camels, we hear the music again far up in the night sky. Mary greets us at the door as we crowd into the small clean home.
Jesus!
We feel the presence of royalty as the young toddler Jesus walks into the room. Emotions overcome us and we fall down and worship the child we know to be the fulfillment of thousands of years of prophecy. We have seen him in all the scrolls of the Jews many times. The face of God is in his! We can sense a power that searches our hearts. Many of us weep and then gather ourselves so we can give our gifts.
We bring in our offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh and we celebrate our time with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. They make our visit enjoyable and pleasant. We spend the night laughing and playing with little Jesus. I take him up in my arms and show him the camels. They are calm and peaceful as Jesus reaches out and touches them. He wants to touch all of them! Never before have I see such a face as the One who looks at me. The others demand their time to hold him, so I pass him to the other men. I still feel his warmth in my arms and on my chest. The journey has been worth every step and more. My heart wants to burst with joy! I feel alive!
The rest of the night is spent talking and eating. Too soon, our time with Mary, Joseph, and Jesus is finished. Before we leave we ask for permission to anoint Jesus with more gifts we brought. It is a special moment when we place the sweet smell upon the head of Jesus as he sits in his mother’s lap. We are content and feel the presence of God in the room and in the sparkling eyes of the little king.
I am in wonder about why more people do not understand, that here before us is Immanuel (God with us)! This little boy will grow up to save the world from eternal death! He will pay the penalty that we deserve and teach us spiritual things about the kingdom of God! It is all in the ancient scrolls!
We wish to stay, but feel we must begin our journey back. We promise to return when the child is older. We know from the writings of the prophet Daniel, that the young child will live to be only about 30 years old and then he will sacrifice himself for the sins of the people and rise on the third day to show his power over the clutches of the grave and death.
Our wish is to return when he is older, but in the meantime, we pledge among ourselves to share, in our homeland, the good news of the birth of Jesus. We will begin to tell our story with those we will meet along the way back to our home in the west.
We say our good-byes to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph and begin to head back north through the city.
A Detour Home-Danger!
I am stopped in my tracks as I begin to consider our strange visit with King Herod.
An man appears to me and tells me to take a different path home and head due east instead of retracing our journey. The king is up to some evil and we don’t want to help him in any way. We probably made a mistake visiting him and giving him information about the approximate age of the baby Jesus. It is an unfortunate turn of events. We are going to miss the young shepherd boys on the way back. I was looking forward to telling them of our visit.
The star is gone as we begin our travel home. We stop to rest when we feel we have put some distance between us and King Herod. Around the fire, we talk about our great journey and look again at scripture. We come across a disturbing message from the prophet Jeremiah:
“Thus says the Lord: “A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.”
Jeremiah 31:15
Soon the voices and the fire go out and we sleep…exhausted from excitement and the sleep we missed,I can feel the warmth of my camel next to me. The trip home will be long, but it will go fast as we tell the wonderful story of Jesus along the way.
Later, the next day, we hear the news and fulfillment of that passage in Jeremiah that troubled us. King Herod had all the male children 2 years old and younger killed. What a cruel and foolish man!
We also got news that Joseph was warned of Herod’s intention and our friends Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus escaped to the safety of Egypt.
Later, we would learn Joseph took his family to a little town called Nazareth after Herod died.
More fulfillment of the ancient scrolls:
“And out of Egypt, I called my son.”
Hosea 11:1
Our journey to find Jesus was long and difficult, but we have been transformed by it. The scrolls, the star, the shepherds even the evil king Herod has made us wiser. But most of all, it has made us a believer in Jesus.
We will continue to study the ancient scrolls because now that we have seen Jesus ourselves, we can see Him in every story told there.
So many scrolls to read, so little time.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13
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My friends, join me in a Christmas worship of the One who gave all that we might have all. Let us fall on our knees this night as we think about the birth of Jesus and the visit of men who were seeking Him. They found Him! Have you?
*Swaddling clothes were strips that were often used to prepare the body for burial. They would wrap (swath) them in linen and then add strips around the head and feet (See John 20:7-Jesus and John 11:44-Lazarus). Jesus at birth was wrapped in the cloth for dead people. His mission from the start was to die!
