2. Christmas Light(s)

3. Week 2 Following the (Star)Light

4. Matthew 2:1-12

5. 1.Believing in the star was different than following the star. It’s possible to believe in Christ without following Christ.

6. 2. The Wise Men followed the star without fully understanding what they were doing.

7. Numbers 24:15-17 This is the prophecy Balaam delivered: “This is the message of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of the man whose eyes see clearly, who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls down with eyes wide open: I see him, but not in the present time. I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel.

8. 2. The Wise Men followed the star without fully understanding what they were doing. We can follow God without fully understanding everything about Him. It’s called faith.

9. Hebrews 4:6 So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

10. God, are you real? God, where are we going with this? God, are you really sure you want me to... ? God, how is this going to happen?

11. 3. Following the star took the Wise Men on an unknown and unexpected journey. Following Christ takes us on an unknown and unexpected journey of a lifetime.

12. 4. Following the star was a marathon, not a sprint.

13. Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary

14. 4. Following the star was a marathon, not a sprint. Following Christ is a marathon, not a sprint.

15. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

16. 5. Following the star was costly and risky, 6. Following the star had earthly and eternal rewards. but

17. Following Christ is costly and risky, but... Following Christ yields both earthly and eternal rewards.

18. Matthew 14:44-46 "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

19. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

20. The Wise Men’s names were not important; neither were their numbers, or how long it took to them to get to Bethlehem, or where (exactly) they were from.

21. The important thing was what they did.

22. The Wise Men’s story is a story of great faith and trust. Faith in God, whom they didn’t fully understand, and trusting in him enough to embark on a long, challenging, perilous journey... which ended in them coming face to face with Jesus Christ.

23. The question: What are you willing to do to truly follow Jesus Christ? (Remember: You can believe in something/someone and not follow.)

24. What are you willing to change? What are you willing to give up? What long, challenging, but rewarding journey are you willing to embark upon so that someday, you can come face to face with Jesus Christ?