The
Epiphany of Our Lord
6 January AD 2008
Today's scripture readings: Isaiah 60:1-6/ Ephesians 1:1-12/ Matthew
2:1-12
It's Epiphany! What better reason to consider the three kings,
more properly the "Magi." They came from the east to
knock on Herod's door asking about the new born king. How disappointed
they felt when Herod didn't know about it. He sent them on their
way ordering them to "search diligently for the child"
but the king did not join in their search. The Magi were used
to disappointments. Their arduous journey was long and open ended
from the start. Who knew where it would lead or how it would end?
Would they ever see their homeland again? What propelled these
men across wilderness and continent in search of a child?
As a Lutheran
I wonder, "was it faith?" Did these three foreigners
have faith in God, the God of Israel? And if there is faith in
God, why-what tells them to leave family and comforts to go in
search of a child king, in a foreign country no less? What would
get you in your car to drive across the prairie to California?
A grandson justifies it for Darlette, who this morning is in Tennessee
for the baptism of her grandson, Dale. But there's nothing personal
in it for the Magi, or is there?
They are
more than magicians, the magi are probably the scholars of their
culture. Searching both the skies and the collected wisdom of
the ages they came to the conclusion that they are destined (called
by God) to seek out a child king. (Not all the Jews returned from
the Babylonian exile. Those who were unwilling or unable to rebuild
Jerusalem remained in Persia, and their Bible stayed with them.)
The appearance
of something unusual in the night sky, like a constellation or
a star, may have sent the Magi in search of an answer. Their search
led them to Isaiah 60, and so they hit the road.
"And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness
of your rising… A multitude of camels shall cover you the
young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come.
They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall [proclaim] good
news, the praises of the Lord." Is. 60:1-7 (3 & 6)
Did Isaiah
actually speak of them, foretelling their journey? Or, did these
wise men read themselves into an obscure text from an ancient
Jewish writing? Did God predestine them to be part of Jesus' story?
Could they have chosen other-wise? Those hypothetical questions
will never be answered. They made it to Bethlehem. Needing to
see if their conclusions were true, they risked leaving home and
country in search of the Christ Child. They found the One whose
birth
was foretold and presented him their precious gifts.
The issue
is personal liberty and human free will. It's a "sticky"
topic. It's been suggested that God pulls all the strings leaving
us with very little free choice. In Ephesians 1 Paul's introduction
is so full of praise to God for the gift of our salvation in Jesus
Christ, he leaves little room for your willing participation.
If you didn't wonder about it, you were asleep. If you want to
look at the scripture page again, go right ahead. Check out the
phrases:
" he chose us in him before the foundation of the world
" In love he predestined
" according to the purpose of his will
" the mystery of his will, according to his purpose
" as a plan for the fullness of time
" having been predestined according to the purpose of him
who works all things according to the counsel of his will
Salvation is from start to finish the work of God. He was at it
from the beginning of time. Its all about God's will, not yours
and mine.
The problem,
a clash of philosophy and theology; they are two separate disciplines.
The latter is the study of the Word of God, which speaks for itself.
In philosophy you can discuss freedom and determinism with intellectual
giants like Aristotle, Kant, Descartes, Kierkegaard and Mill.
But I assure you those men were not concerned about God's honor,
nor were they concerned about your salvation.
The God who
loves you allows you to exercise your will freely even as his
plans are being worked out in your life. Eve was tricked into
eating the apple, but Adam freely chose to eat it. He chose disobedience
and death. The Bible tells us God knew it would happen and planned
for it because: "he chose us in him [in Christ] before the
foundation of the world." Jesus was God's plan "for
the fullness of time." Jesus is God's plan for you from time
immemorial.
I would argue
that if God created us in his image, he made creatures as free
and independent as himself-people who would love him freely, without
compulsion. But such freedom suggests that they are also free
to do otherwise. God knew what was inevitable, he planned to unite
heaven and earth, saints, angels, and even sinners in the messiah
Jesus, whose life would reconcile all things.
We are free
to do whatever we wish. It was their own curiosity which compelled
the Magi to seek out the child. Those wonderful gifts came from
their own generosity. But that God used their talents, resources
and intellect for his own divine purposes cannot be denied. And
did Isaiah specifically see these men coming? Or, did they get
the idea from Isaiah? All we can say is that God's will is done,
his name is praised.
At the end
of Genesis, Joseph speaks to his brothers regarding their mistreatment
of him in their youth. He reasons that though they meant to harm
him, God determined to use it for good-the saving of many lives
in Egypt. The brothers acted freely; God incorporated their sin
into his plan. And so Paul reasons that "all things work
together for good..." when it comes to God working out his
will.
Althea shared
with me a story of a woman she knew. A very proud and proper lady,
she would not want be indebted to anyone. Althea enjoyed taking
her to church functions but this woman always insisted on paying
for gas. She made such a point of not accepting gifts from anyone
that at times it felt as if nothing you could give her was good
enough. In behaving this way she robbed others of the joy of giving.
People have
a tendency to get so hung up on the free will issue that they
risk Gods plan for their salvation-robbing both themselves and
God of the joy. Clearly, God chose to save us before we could
do anything deserving of heaven and eternal life. It does not
matter if you could earn your way into heaven, God opens the door
to you because of Jesus Christ is your Savior. Just say "thank
you."
So, free
will? Go right ahead and exercise it, give freely of our time
and resources. Share your love. Freely tell of God's love in Christ
to friends, neighbors and family. And with the magi, worship the
King.
In the name
of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Hamburg, NJ 07419
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