Things That Did Not Profit

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Things That Did Not Profit

There is that saying  that is used year around — and especially at Christmas time — “Wise Men  Still Follow Him”.     It is in reference  to the magi,  also called the wise men,  who traveled  for two years  following a star  (because they were astrologers  and knew something  about God’s prophecies),  in order to find  and worship the Messiah King.     The whole story is told  in chapter 2  of Matthew.

The point is  that even though they were  from a foreign country  (possibly Babylon  or somewhere in the Persian Empire),  they had the common sense  to recognize a truth  and the wherewithal  to endure hardship  because of that truth.     When the Israelites  were exiles in their area  many years before,  God’s word was listened to  and absorbed  by their captors.     In God’s word  was Balaam’s prophecy  of a King  in Numbers 24:27, saying,

A star  shall come forth  from Jacob,   
And a scepter  shall rise  from Israel…

This prophecy was noted  by the wise men,  and when they saw a special star  in the sky,  they decided  to follow it  and find the prophesied King.     As the account goes  in chapter 2 of Matthew,  they finally found the King,  Baby Jesus,  and worshiped Him,  presenting Him  with the finest  of their gifts — gold,  frankincense,  and myrrh.     Then,  they had the common sense  to listen  to a warning  from God  in a dream,  and returned  to their home  by a different route  because King Herod would have killed them  for not reporting the whereabouts  of the Baby King.

Their faith  in God’s prophesied word  gave them the strength  to endure hardships  and dangers.     Their obedience  by faith was honored  by the Lord,  as they were kept safe  for their journey.     When they saw Joseph,  Mary  and Jesus,  the humbleness  of this poor King’s family  did not shake their faith  about Jesus’  true Kingship.     That shows  that they trusted  God’s ways  far above  what most people would tend  to think.     Their trust  was truly wise.

In contrast  to the faith  and wisdom  of these foreign astrologers,  is how Israel was  during the time  of Jeremiah,  around 600 B.C.     Israel was so degenerate  at that time  that the LORD prophesied  to Israel  through Jeremiah  in Jeremiah 2:4, 8, and 11,  saying,

What injustice  did your fathers find  in Me, 
That they went far  from Me   
And walked after emptiness  and became empty?…….    

And walked after things  that did not profit…….    

Has a nation  changed gods,   
When they were not gods?   
But  My people  have changed their glory   
For that  which does not profit.

And so it is today.     People all around the world  celebrate “Christmas”  with Santa,  elves,  reindeer,  presents,  feasts,  and music  of all sorts.     With all this empty celebrating  they have exchanged  the glory  of God  in Christ Jesus  for things  that do not profit them.     They are so unwise  that they refuse  to accept the truth  about the birth  of Christ.     There is a better way  to celebrate the Truth.

The truth is  that we are all sinners,  doomed to die  eternally.     But,  God’s love  for us  is so great  beyond words,  that He sent Jesus  to be born  in poverty,  suffer,  die,  and be resurrected  as a full payment  for all  of our sins.     This Jesus reigns eternally  as King of kings,  LORD of lords,  and God of gods.     Wise men will not only see this,  but will accept Jesus  as King  in their hearts.     With Jesus  as a true King  in their hearts,  they will obey His ways,  because they realize  it will be  to their eternal glory,  peace,  and joy.     That will be incalculable profit  for all eternity.

Wisely following  our Lord and King,  we say,  “Hallelujah!     Lord,  there is no other king  as wonderful as You  and so filled with love,  forgiveness,  and faithfulness  for Your people.”

Love,
Margaret

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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and God of gods

 

Pray for our country.

 

This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

 

The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30

 

Sing for joy in the LORD,  O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming  to the upright.
Psalm 33:1

 

How blessed are those  who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4

 

Just as a father has compassion  on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13

 

Oh give thanks to the LORD,  for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1

 

Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3

 

Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that
I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12

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