We would be coming to the beginning of yet another year in a few days from now, but then the UNDEALT question’s to ask one’s self is:
Which light has dominated our thinking right through, or were we able to see any light at all, until this moment? If so, was it the LIGHT released by THE HOLY SPIRIT’S WORD which is identified as RHEMA? OR Were we ignorantly satisfied with the STAR-LIGHT released from the pulpits of time, probably from disguised and deceptive angels of light? (Gal. 1.6-12).
In (Mathew Chapter 2) we find a very detailed dimension of the Star-Light. Right through the WORD of GOD, from the book of Genesis to The Revelation of JESUS CHRIST, we find heroic testimonies of servants of GOD who start well pursuing their journey of life, but somewhere down the road, either through distractions or deviations from the ordained path, they eventually were unable to enter or even conquer their Canaan’s. Even in this chapter we have a similar story of Wise Men from the East unfolding. Perhaps like others who anticipated the Messiah’s entry into this world, they too may have had their aspirations about this unique King of the Jews, who they ventured to find out about. GOD’S intervention made their journey easier, when they observed a NEW MOVING STAR in the sky.
(v. 1-2)- What is further amazing, that only these wise-men chose to walk behind the Moving Star……….
Now I’m sure one needs to have immense faith in a moving-star, but then didn’t THE LORD GOD know who the “Wise Men” or the “Magi” were, and who were they visiting? Wise Men came to look for Him, probably from an area which is now in either Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia or the Yemen. Although they are often called the 'Three Kings', the Bible does not say how many were there, or that they were kings. One theory is that they might have been Kings of the Yemen, as during this time the Kings of Yemen were Jews. No one really knows what the new star is the sky was, and there are many theories including comets, supernovas, and conjunctions of planets or something supernatural! Legends say they had been given names and this is how they were often described:
Melchior, who had long white hair and a white beard wore a gold cloak and he was the King of Arabia. Melchior represents the Gold brought to Jesus.
Gaspar, who had brown hair and a brown beard (or no beard!) wore a green cloak and a gold crown with green jewels on it. He is the King of Sheba. Gaspar represents the Frankincense brought to Jesus.
Balthazar, who had black skin and a black beard (or no beard!) wore a purple cloak. He is the King of Tarse and Egypt. Balthazar represents the gift of Myrrh that was brought to Jesus.
The word Magi comes from the Greek word 'magos' giving us the English word 'magic'. Magos itself comes from an old Persian word 'Magupati', a title given to priests in Zoroastrianism called today as astrologers. Back then astronomy and astrology were part of the same overall 'science'. The magi would have followed the patterns of the stars religiously. They would have also probably been very rich and held high esteem in their own society and by people who weren't from their country or religion. Mainly they were SEEKERS from the East, who fulfilled scriptures with their purpose and that was they were “Extravagant Worshippers” who were prophetical in their gifts. Hence nothing could stop their pursuit as they had a destiny to fulfill.
Now as long as they journeyed along, the star went ahead of them”. But as they approached Bethlehem, tragedy strikes in the form of territorial spirits influence.
In (Genesis 1.2 we see an identical scene: “And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And THE SPIRIT OF GOD moved upon the face of the waters.” And in (v.3) And GOD said: Let there be light; and there was light. Only GOD who is LIGHT could release such a dimension.
Notice that in (Genesis 1.2 even though there was light, it was over-shadowed by the darkness caused by Satan and his fellow-angelic hosts falling on the earth. GOD’S light doesn’t merely expel darkness, but evolves in recreation of that which is void by giving form to it. Simultaneously in (Mathew 2.2 we see that even though the Star was there, the Star-Light was no more visible.
HOW and WHY did this happen?
UNTIL THIS DAY, similar dimensions of Darkness cover different areas of our earth, the realm of LIGHT, which should have been our portion for everyday life. Satan the crafty deceiver brings forth dark dimensions to us, through Our Ignorance in the Word of GOD (Hosea 4.6). In (Romans 1. 18-32) we see how this darkness manifests ungodliness and idolatry, and also in (2Corinthians 4. 3-4) where we understand how Satan’s darkness has kept multitudes to “SEE the LIGHT of the GLORIOUS GOSPEL”. That’s why Apostle Paul commanded the Church to “Stand strong by using the armour of God” in the war of life.
(v.3-8)Darkness has its own manifestations:
The Genesis Fall tells us that the 2 trees in the midst of Eden, were carefully watched by the serpent and his fallen angelic hosts much before Adam (Man and Woman) was brought into Eden meaning (The Presence of Adonai) as they (Satan and the darkness-beings) had trespassed on the earth, since they were removed from the 3rd heavens where God’s Realm is.
Satan the Master-Deceiver fell from the Presence of Yahweh-God choosing worship of His SELF, and hence who else would know more about what happens in the presence of God, as he and his fellow-hosts were separated from Elohim-God for worshipping SELF. Creation was made by Elohim-God and hence needed to bow down, lay down to the Creator-Jehovah. Similarly the fall of Adam and Eve was “Worship of SELF” using their Mind (FLESH) instead of their Spirit (IMAGE of GOD), since Satan cannot capture one’s spirit, hence his targets would focus only on one’s mind, soul, will and emotions, ultimately the body.
So we see King Herod was a portrayal of a DECEIVED SELF worshipper, that’s why he was “TROUBLED” to hear of “The King of the Jews”. Darkness invades one’s THOUGHT-LIFE through deceptions and schemes that many Christians are TOTALLY ignorant of. (Ephesians6.11, 16)(Philippians3. 17-21)(Titus1.15-16). The King Herod or a Pharaoh type of worship was introduced many millennium’s ago by the off-spring of Adam’s 1st born Cain who also worshipped by murdering his brother Abel. Sadly we see this Cain spirit still killing the Spirit of TRUE worship in many an assembly, introducing performance and religion.
But in this hour, because of Jesus the 2nd Adam but also the 1st born among many brethren (Romans 8.29b) set the pattern for the “NEW GENERATION of worshippers- in Spirit and Truth.
(v. 9) -N O W U N T I L the wise-men chose to follow the star-light (Supernatural direction), the star was willing to L E A D them.
But when they moved away from the star-light, ONTO their own mindset understanding, darkness dominated instantly (Proverbs 3.5-7).
Hence their move into the Enemy’s Camp-Herod’s Palace was and is still destructive. In v. 16.we see HEROD wiped-out innocent babies by the thousands. OH, there was a cry rent out in Rama as spoken by Jeremiah HIS prophet that is heard until this day, if we’re attentive. It’s shocking that so many start their R A C E well, but somehow get side-tracked or sucked by cares-of-life syndrome, or begging-for-ministry diseases or any such disease that would destroy their GOD-Given Destiny. So many would ENJOY A DE-TOUR for a little while into Attractive Camps of the Enemy’s world’s flesh system, causing such casualty’s or church destruction in the unseen realm of the spirit. IN THIS REALM, we see that even JESUS CHRIST wasn’t accepted by HIS OWN (John1.10-11). In fact, see how John the Baptist questions JESUS in (Mathew 11.2-5), doubting in the VERY ONE who he became the way to in the waters of Jordan. (Mathew3.10-15)
Even JESUS had to TAKE a blind man by his hand, out of this demonic realm of Unbelief, and Satan’s domain for his BREAK-THROUGH. (Mark 8.22-26)
Remember here, even Herod’s worship Jesus, a Compromised version of Jesus Christ that’s acceptable to all humanity and religions.
(v.10-12) NOTE: It was only when the wise-men departed from Herod’s Palace, that they could see THE S T A R –L I G H T, ONCE AGAIN.
The Star-Light released great Joy, but not until they moved out of Herod’s territory (Palace of darkness). Many will similarly enter their God-given JOY when they come out of demonic thought-life and strongholds, after all didn’t Jesus spoil the principalities and make a public show of His victory (Colossians 2.15).
Now it’s true that they brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh each a prophetical gift of Jesus Christ’s ministry on the earth.
1. Gold represented that Jesus would be a king,
2. Frankincense an aromatic gum from trees, used in worship among other uses
3. Myrrh (mer) an aromatic resin used ultimately to anoint Jesus' body after the crucifixion.
Let us look at these 3 gifts separately and see their significance.
Gold in the Bible has always stood for divinity that which is like God and gold is mentioned from the book of Genesis to Revelation. Just as God has always been, gold appears at the beginning of the Creation in the Garden of Eden. “The name of the first (river) is Pishon; it flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. The gold of that land is good” (Genesis 2:11-12). And it’s used in the walls and roads of the New Jerusalem at Creation’s end. “The material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. And the 12 gates were 12 pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass” (Revelation 21:18, 21).
It is interesting to see that the name “Pishon”, 1 of the 4 rivers (4 is the number for the earth’s creation), mentioned in connection with the Garden of Eden, means “spreading”. It’s almost as if the Lord were hinting even then, that a time would come when His Spirit- the gold, would spread throughout His creation. “It will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind” (Joel 2:28). This verse was used later by Peter to explain what the people of Jerusalem were experiencing upon hearing the Apostles preach after they were filled with the Holy Spirit, that is, after the Holy Spirit had spread to them (Acts 2:14-18).
Moses was instructed by God to make the Tabernacle called the Ark of the Covenant out of acacia wood (symbolic of humanity) and overlay it with gold. The Mercy-seat (lid) of the Ark was to be made of pure gold, as were the 2 Cherubim that were to be placed atop the Mercy-seat to be placed in the Holy of Holies (Exodus 25:10-21). The Holy of Holies was the meeting place between the High Priest and God, a place so holy that the High Priest alone, entered only once a year to offer sacrifices for himself and the people of Israel for the cleansing of sins. It corresponds to the spirit, that part of man that allows us to be God-conscious and makes possible communion with the Father. “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Animals do not have this faculty. It is significant that everything to do with the Tabernacle that had to do with the worship of the Lord – the Ark of the Covenant, the Mercy Seat, the golden alter of incense, the lampstand, the utensils – were either made of pure gold or acacia wood overlaid with gold.
Job, as he was going through his intense trials, not being able to sense the presence of the Lord, nevertheless said, “But He knows the way I take; when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). Job was looking forward to the day when he would share the divine nature with the Lord. “For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). This divine nature is the result of the gift of salvation.
When we speak of being “born again”, what is first brought back to life is
OUR SPIRIT: It was the spirit (what I believe to represent the masculine within us) that died the day Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit.
OUR SOUL: (what I believe to represent the feminine within us) then assumed the place of authority that the spirit had occupied.
OUR BODY: along with creation began to die. With the new birth the spirit is “born again” and is returned to its rightful position of authority. The soul once again submits to the spirit’s God ordained authority, and the body is assured of resurrection in a glorified, non-corruptible state.
Thus we have justification, the spirit (masculine) being given divine life and being restored to its rightful position to receive guidance and direction from the Holy Spirit to pass along to the soul;
Then we have sanctification, the soul (feminine) submitting to the direction and leadership of the spirit;
Then we have glorification, which is the promise that the body will be resurrected incorruptible, like unto the body of Jesus.
GOLD was given to Jesus to symbolize that He was God in the flesh. Idols also were mostly made of gold in the Old Testament, speaking of deception that clouded man’s thinking. They desired divine life, just as people today do, but they wanted to control it and shape it. Fallen man does not want to believe that Jesus is the only way to Heaven, the only way to come to the heavenly Father. They want to believe that their own goodness (FOOL’S GOLD) will be acceptable to God. The Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and even false Christians do not want to believe Jesus when He says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6). They may accept Jesus as a good man or a moral teacher, but not divine, not God. They have rejected the true treasure of gold and instead chosen an idol.
FRANKINCENSE is a word of Hebrew origin. It means “white”. It speaks of righteousness and holiness and first used in (Exodus 30:34-36). “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Take for yourself spices, stacte and onycha and galbanum, spices with pure frankincense; there shall be an equal part of each. With it you shall make incense- a perfume, the work of a perfumer, salted, pure, and holy. You shall beat some of it very fine, and put part of it before the testimony in the tent of meeting where I will meet with you; it shall be most holy to you.’” This incense was placed upon the golden Altar of Incense by the High Priest to be burned before the Lord. It was to be a sweet odor unto the Lord. Frankincense was the resin obtained by cutting the bark of the tree as it let the resin harden, then ground into a powder. Though it tasted bitter, it was known for how freely it burned, leaving nothing behind. This is symbolic of a life of holiness and righteousness. After receiving salvation (Gold) we are that, “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). This is not a command; it is a promise, because the Lord is holy and since we have received the gift of salvation (gold) we shall be holy. Though we’re sinful creatures, by the gift of salvation we will be holy. “‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the LORD, ‘Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool’” (Isaiah 1:18).
Frankincense given to the Christ Child symbolized His holiness, His purity, His willingness to freely and wholly give Himself up as a burnt offering. Just as frankincense is gathered by cutting the bark of a tree, the Lord was broken upon a tree – the cross – that we might share in this gift. However, it is no accident that this gift comes after the gold – salvation – for holiness in the hands of the unsaved would be used for self-righteous glorification. Holiness would destroy the unsaved, just as fire destroys wood, hay, or stubble, while it purifies gold. For the children of God this gift of holiness becomes the cry of our hearts. “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:2-3).
Frankincense was burned in worship to the Lord, thus fire is closely connected with holiness. “Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called out to another and said, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory’” (Isaiah 6:2-3). The Hebrew word for “seraphim” means burning and has also been translated as “fiery serpent”, first used in Numbers. “The LORD sent fiery serpents among the people and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died” (Number 21:6). I believe these serpents were in fact holy angels, seraphim, rather then snakes, for the Hebrew word for snake is completely different. Perhaps they resembled tongues of fire and that caused the people to think of them as serpents. Again, holiness will destroy that which is not of God, that which is not divine – gold. The people were rebelling against God and Moses. They were becoming impatient in the wilderness; therefore, God sent the fiery serpents to destroy them or more accurately to destroy their rebellious spirit. Once the people confessed that they had sinned, God told Moses to make a snake (not seraphim) of bronze (a metal associated with judgment) so that any who had been bitten by the fiery serpents could look at the bronze snake and live. We are to be holy for only holiness can survive the presence of God, a God that describes Himself as “a consuming fire, a jealous God” (Deuteronomy 4:24). We are told that “each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire” (1 Corinthians 3:13-15). Everything that we think, say, and do is to come from the holiness that is imparted to us as we grow spiritually. If it does not, even if it looks good on the outside, the holy, consuming fire that God is will destroy it.
Frankincense- this holiness, this whiteness, becomes ours when we realize that “all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27). We’re told to “put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, (Godlike) in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24 AMP). The promise given to the true Christians in Sardis, a church that “talked the talk”, but did not “walk the walk”, was this gift of frankincense, this whiteness. “But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy” (Revelation 3:4). As we experientially become one with Jesus Christ we will possess more and more of this precious gift of holiness.
MYRRH means “bitterness”. It was used in perfumes but also to embalming the dead, as an anti-septic or to reduce pain. It is significant that of the 3 gifts given to Jesus only myrrh is mentioned at the beginning of His life when the Wise Men gave it to Him and at the end of His life. After Jesus had been crucified His body was taken by Joseph of Arimathaea, “Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews” (John 19:39-40).
Why is gold and frankincense mentioned only at the beginning of Jesus’ life, but myrrh at the beginning and the end? It is because gold – salvation – is a one-time gift. Once it is given it is never revoked. “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29)
Holiness-the frankincense, is also a gift that though it grows as we experientially clothe ourselves with Jesus Christ, is given to us all at once at the beginning of our walk with Him. From the Lord’s point of view once we’ve accepted the gift of salvation we’re as holy as we’ll ever be. We don’t become more holy from God’s viewpoint, as time goes by. We are instantly called “saints” (Greek – hagios – same word for holy) regardless of how carnal we are.
Myrrh is different, symbolizing suffering, trials, tribulations, and afflictions. The church of Smyrna is known as the “Suffering Church”, the name “Smyrna” coming from myrrh. Suffering and persecution is something Jesus experienced from the beginning of His life, from the flight into Egypt to avoid the wrath of King Herod, to the end of His life, to His wrongful crucifixion. We’re told that suffering was such an integral of Jesus’ life that, “Although He was a Son; He learned obedience from the things which He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8).
Jesus never escaped the myrrh- the persecutions, throughout His entire life. No one has suffered more unjustly than He. And just as He was given the gift of myrrh by Wise Men, so we too, along with the gift of gold (salvation), and the gift of frankincense (holiness), are to receive the gift of myrrh (suffering) from the hand of the Lord, the wisest of men. It is not done to destroy us, but to teach us obedience. Suffering, trials, tribulations, persecutions are a natural part of this life. “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).
Stories of suffering in God’s Word-
Adam and Eve gave birth to Cain who murdered his brother;
Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers;
Job lost his wealth, position of influence, and his health;
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into a fiery furnace;
Daniel was thrown into a lion’s den;
John the Baptist was beheaded;
The Apostle James was slain by King Herod;
Peter and John were thrown into a dungeon;
Paul was hated and stoned.
We are not alone in our suffering; it is not unique to us. Paul said, “To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now” (1 Corinthians 4:11-13). Suffering – myrrh – will be a major part of our lives. So, are we to accept the gold and frankincense from the Lord and not the myrrh?
Job faced this question after having lost everything and his wife encouraged him to turn away from God. “But he said to her, ‘You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil’” (Job 2:10 ESV)? That is faith. Job recognized the sovereignty of God and willingly received not only the good – the gold and frankincense – but the bad also – the myrrh. The gift of myrrh is not to destroy, but to purify. “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17). “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10). He desires to give to us; the same gifts He received. Gold (salvation), frankincense (holiness), and myrrh (bitterness), that we might be one with Him as 50/He is one with the Father.
Ultimately God showed them a DIFFERENT ROUTE for their RETURN, for only GOD could do so ALWAYS.
NOW WHAT ABOUT THE SHEPHERDS- WHICH LIGHT did they receive?
In (Luke 2.8-20) Amazingly there was an ANGELIC VISITATION of THE LORD.
1. The ANGEL of THE LORD brought the glory (LIGHT) RHEMA WORD of THE King’s birth to them. They also knew that this King’s kingdom would have NO END. (Isaiah 9. 6-7)
2. A Multitude of heavenly hosts praising GOD manifested along with the angel.
3. Shepherds would never go to a Palace to Seek THE KING, as they could only understand by REVELATION-LIGHT (made known to them) where THE KING was to be born. As they were accustomed to sheep, goats and cattle-grazing, they easily identified the KING IN THE MANGER. What’s important is though they didn’t bring any gifts for the baby Jesus, they were the 1st messengers to carry THE WORD of the Messiah’s birth, from the angel.
4. Now the SHEPHERDS RELEASED THE LIGHT they received, to all around making them wonder in awe, as to what they saw and heard.
This day we don’t need the Star-light or the Angel of light to release tidings to us.IT is the MORNING-STAR who needs HIS STAR-LIGHT to be released through us, into the world.
THE Question now is: ARE you still A STAR-GAZER looking for THE KING, or would you allow "THE MORNING-STAR JESUS CHRIST" to GAZE into and through you to a LOST HUMANITY living without JESUS CHRIST.
My prayer then for you is, allow JESUS CHRIST to be your STAR-GAZER, so that because of your decision, many would be blessed and would come out of HEROD’S PALACE (The World's system: Lust of the eyes, Lust of the flesh, and the Pride of Life), instead of going for a DE-TOUR. I Thank GOD for you, that through CHRIST'S LIGHT shining in and through you, the church would become a LIGHT-HOUSE in every market-place and place of rule. PRAISE GOD.
Which light has dominated our thinking right through, or were we able to see any light at all, until this moment? If so, was it the LIGHT released by THE HOLY SPIRIT’S WORD which is identified as RHEMA? OR Were we ignorantly satisfied with the STAR-LIGHT released from the pulpits of time, probably from disguised and deceptive angels of light? (Gal. 1.6-12).
In (Mathew Chapter 2) we find a very detailed dimension of the Star-Light. Right through the WORD of GOD, from the book of Genesis to The Revelation of JESUS CHRIST, we find heroic testimonies of servants of GOD who start well pursuing their journey of life, but somewhere down the road, either through distractions or deviations from the ordained path, they eventually were unable to enter or even conquer their Canaan’s. Even in this chapter we have a similar story of Wise Men from the East unfolding. Perhaps like others who anticipated the Messiah’s entry into this world, they too may have had their aspirations about this unique King of the Jews, who they ventured to find out about. GOD’S intervention made their journey easier, when they observed a NEW MOVING STAR in the sky.
(v. 1-2)- What is further amazing, that only these wise-men chose to walk behind the Moving Star……….
Now I’m sure one needs to have immense faith in a moving-star, but then didn’t THE LORD GOD know who the “Wise Men” or the “Magi” were, and who were they visiting? Wise Men came to look for Him, probably from an area which is now in either Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia or the Yemen. Although they are often called the 'Three Kings', the Bible does not say how many were there, or that they were kings. One theory is that they might have been Kings of the Yemen, as during this time the Kings of Yemen were Jews. No one really knows what the new star is the sky was, and there are many theories including comets, supernovas, and conjunctions of planets or something supernatural! Legends say they had been given names and this is how they were often described:
Melchior, who had long white hair and a white beard wore a gold cloak and he was the King of Arabia. Melchior represents the Gold brought to Jesus.
Gaspar, who had brown hair and a brown beard (or no beard!) wore a green cloak and a gold crown with green jewels on it. He is the King of Sheba. Gaspar represents the Frankincense brought to Jesus.
Balthazar, who had black skin and a black beard (or no beard!) wore a purple cloak. He is the King of Tarse and Egypt. Balthazar represents the gift of Myrrh that was brought to Jesus.
The word Magi comes from the Greek word 'magos' giving us the English word 'magic'. Magos itself comes from an old Persian word 'Magupati', a title given to priests in Zoroastrianism called today as astrologers. Back then astronomy and astrology were part of the same overall 'science'. The magi would have followed the patterns of the stars religiously. They would have also probably been very rich and held high esteem in their own society and by people who weren't from their country or religion. Mainly they were SEEKERS from the East, who fulfilled scriptures with their purpose and that was they were “Extravagant Worshippers” who were prophetical in their gifts. Hence nothing could stop their pursuit as they had a destiny to fulfill.
Now as long as they journeyed along, the star went ahead of them”. But as they approached Bethlehem, tragedy strikes in the form of territorial spirits influence.
In (Genesis 1.2 we see an identical scene: “And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And THE SPIRIT OF GOD moved upon the face of the waters.” And in (v.3) And GOD said: Let there be light; and there was light. Only GOD who is LIGHT could release such a dimension.
Notice that in (Genesis 1.2 even though there was light, it was over-shadowed by the darkness caused by Satan and his fellow-angelic hosts falling on the earth. GOD’S light doesn’t merely expel darkness, but evolves in recreation of that which is void by giving form to it. Simultaneously in (Mathew 2.2 we see that even though the Star was there, the Star-Light was no more visible.
HOW and WHY did this happen?
UNTIL THIS DAY, similar dimensions of Darkness cover different areas of our earth, the realm of LIGHT, which should have been our portion for everyday life. Satan the crafty deceiver brings forth dark dimensions to us, through Our Ignorance in the Word of GOD (Hosea 4.6). In (Romans 1. 18-32) we see how this darkness manifests ungodliness and idolatry, and also in (2Corinthians 4. 3-4) where we understand how Satan’s darkness has kept multitudes to “SEE the LIGHT of the GLORIOUS GOSPEL”. That’s why Apostle Paul commanded the Church to “Stand strong by using the armour of God” in the war of life.
(v.3-8)Darkness has its own manifestations:
The Genesis Fall tells us that the 2 trees in the midst of Eden, were carefully watched by the serpent and his fallen angelic hosts much before Adam (Man and Woman) was brought into Eden meaning (The Presence of Adonai) as they (Satan and the darkness-beings) had trespassed on the earth, since they were removed from the 3rd heavens where God’s Realm is.
Satan the Master-Deceiver fell from the Presence of Yahweh-God choosing worship of His SELF, and hence who else would know more about what happens in the presence of God, as he and his fellow-hosts were separated from Elohim-God for worshipping SELF. Creation was made by Elohim-God and hence needed to bow down, lay down to the Creator-Jehovah. Similarly the fall of Adam and Eve was “Worship of SELF” using their Mind (FLESH) instead of their Spirit (IMAGE of GOD), since Satan cannot capture one’s spirit, hence his targets would focus only on one’s mind, soul, will and emotions, ultimately the body.
So we see King Herod was a portrayal of a DECEIVED SELF worshipper, that’s why he was “TROUBLED” to hear of “The King of the Jews”. Darkness invades one’s THOUGHT-LIFE through deceptions and schemes that many Christians are TOTALLY ignorant of. (Ephesians6.11, 16)(Philippians3. 17-21)(Titus1.15-16). The King Herod or a Pharaoh type of worship was introduced many millennium’s ago by the off-spring of Adam’s 1st born Cain who also worshipped by murdering his brother Abel. Sadly we see this Cain spirit still killing the Spirit of TRUE worship in many an assembly, introducing performance and religion.
But in this hour, because of Jesus the 2nd Adam but also the 1st born among many brethren (Romans 8.29b) set the pattern for the “NEW GENERATION of worshippers- in Spirit and Truth.
(v. 9) -N O W U N T I L the wise-men chose to follow the star-light (Supernatural direction), the star was willing to L E A D them.
But when they moved away from the star-light, ONTO their own mindset understanding, darkness dominated instantly (Proverbs 3.5-7).
Hence their move into the Enemy’s Camp-Herod’s Palace was and is still destructive. In v. 16.we see HEROD wiped-out innocent babies by the thousands. OH, there was a cry rent out in Rama as spoken by Jeremiah HIS prophet that is heard until this day, if we’re attentive. It’s shocking that so many start their R A C E well, but somehow get side-tracked or sucked by cares-of-life syndrome, or begging-for-ministry diseases or any such disease that would destroy their GOD-Given Destiny. So many would ENJOY A DE-TOUR for a little while into Attractive Camps of the Enemy’s world’s flesh system, causing such casualty’s or church destruction in the unseen realm of the spirit. IN THIS REALM, we see that even JESUS CHRIST wasn’t accepted by HIS OWN (John1.10-11). In fact, see how John the Baptist questions JESUS in (Mathew 11.2-5), doubting in the VERY ONE who he became the way to in the waters of Jordan. (Mathew3.10-15)
Even JESUS had to TAKE a blind man by his hand, out of this demonic realm of Unbelief, and Satan’s domain for his BREAK-THROUGH. (Mark 8.22-26)
Remember here, even Herod’s worship Jesus, a Compromised version of Jesus Christ that’s acceptable to all humanity and religions.
(v.10-12) NOTE: It was only when the wise-men departed from Herod’s Palace, that they could see THE S T A R –L I G H T, ONCE AGAIN.
The Star-Light released great Joy, but not until they moved out of Herod’s territory (Palace of darkness). Many will similarly enter their God-given JOY when they come out of demonic thought-life and strongholds, after all didn’t Jesus spoil the principalities and make a public show of His victory (Colossians 2.15).
Now it’s true that they brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh each a prophetical gift of Jesus Christ’s ministry on the earth.
1. Gold represented that Jesus would be a king,
2. Frankincense an aromatic gum from trees, used in worship among other uses
3. Myrrh (mer) an aromatic resin used ultimately to anoint Jesus' body after the crucifixion.
Let us look at these 3 gifts separately and see their significance.
Gold in the Bible has always stood for divinity that which is like God and gold is mentioned from the book of Genesis to Revelation. Just as God has always been, gold appears at the beginning of the Creation in the Garden of Eden. “The name of the first (river) is Pishon; it flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. The gold of that land is good” (Genesis 2:11-12). And it’s used in the walls and roads of the New Jerusalem at Creation’s end. “The material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. And the 12 gates were 12 pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass” (Revelation 21:18, 21).
It is interesting to see that the name “Pishon”, 1 of the 4 rivers (4 is the number for the earth’s creation), mentioned in connection with the Garden of Eden, means “spreading”. It’s almost as if the Lord were hinting even then, that a time would come when His Spirit- the gold, would spread throughout His creation. “It will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind” (Joel 2:28). This verse was used later by Peter to explain what the people of Jerusalem were experiencing upon hearing the Apostles preach after they were filled with the Holy Spirit, that is, after the Holy Spirit had spread to them (Acts 2:14-18).
Moses was instructed by God to make the Tabernacle called the Ark of the Covenant out of acacia wood (symbolic of humanity) and overlay it with gold. The Mercy-seat (lid) of the Ark was to be made of pure gold, as were the 2 Cherubim that were to be placed atop the Mercy-seat to be placed in the Holy of Holies (Exodus 25:10-21). The Holy of Holies was the meeting place between the High Priest and God, a place so holy that the High Priest alone, entered only once a year to offer sacrifices for himself and the people of Israel for the cleansing of sins. It corresponds to the spirit, that part of man that allows us to be God-conscious and makes possible communion with the Father. “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Animals do not have this faculty. It is significant that everything to do with the Tabernacle that had to do with the worship of the Lord – the Ark of the Covenant, the Mercy Seat, the golden alter of incense, the lampstand, the utensils – were either made of pure gold or acacia wood overlaid with gold.
Job, as he was going through his intense trials, not being able to sense the presence of the Lord, nevertheless said, “But He knows the way I take; when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). Job was looking forward to the day when he would share the divine nature with the Lord. “For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). This divine nature is the result of the gift of salvation.
When we speak of being “born again”, what is first brought back to life is
OUR SPIRIT: It was the spirit (what I believe to represent the masculine within us) that died the day Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit.
OUR SOUL: (what I believe to represent the feminine within us) then assumed the place of authority that the spirit had occupied.
OUR BODY: along with creation began to die. With the new birth the spirit is “born again” and is returned to its rightful position of authority. The soul once again submits to the spirit’s God ordained authority, and the body is assured of resurrection in a glorified, non-corruptible state.
Thus we have justification, the spirit (masculine) being given divine life and being restored to its rightful position to receive guidance and direction from the Holy Spirit to pass along to the soul;
Then we have sanctification, the soul (feminine) submitting to the direction and leadership of the spirit;
Then we have glorification, which is the promise that the body will be resurrected incorruptible, like unto the body of Jesus.
GOLD was given to Jesus to symbolize that He was God in the flesh. Idols also were mostly made of gold in the Old Testament, speaking of deception that clouded man’s thinking. They desired divine life, just as people today do, but they wanted to control it and shape it. Fallen man does not want to believe that Jesus is the only way to Heaven, the only way to come to the heavenly Father. They want to believe that their own goodness (FOOL’S GOLD) will be acceptable to God. The Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and even false Christians do not want to believe Jesus when He says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6). They may accept Jesus as a good man or a moral teacher, but not divine, not God. They have rejected the true treasure of gold and instead chosen an idol.
FRANKINCENSE is a word of Hebrew origin. It means “white”. It speaks of righteousness and holiness and first used in (Exodus 30:34-36). “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Take for yourself spices, stacte and onycha and galbanum, spices with pure frankincense; there shall be an equal part of each. With it you shall make incense- a perfume, the work of a perfumer, salted, pure, and holy. You shall beat some of it very fine, and put part of it before the testimony in the tent of meeting where I will meet with you; it shall be most holy to you.’” This incense was placed upon the golden Altar of Incense by the High Priest to be burned before the Lord. It was to be a sweet odor unto the Lord. Frankincense was the resin obtained by cutting the bark of the tree as it let the resin harden, then ground into a powder. Though it tasted bitter, it was known for how freely it burned, leaving nothing behind. This is symbolic of a life of holiness and righteousness. After receiving salvation (Gold) we are that, “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). This is not a command; it is a promise, because the Lord is holy and since we have received the gift of salvation (gold) we shall be holy. Though we’re sinful creatures, by the gift of salvation we will be holy. “‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the LORD, ‘Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool’” (Isaiah 1:18).
Frankincense given to the Christ Child symbolized His holiness, His purity, His willingness to freely and wholly give Himself up as a burnt offering. Just as frankincense is gathered by cutting the bark of a tree, the Lord was broken upon a tree – the cross – that we might share in this gift. However, it is no accident that this gift comes after the gold – salvation – for holiness in the hands of the unsaved would be used for self-righteous glorification. Holiness would destroy the unsaved, just as fire destroys wood, hay, or stubble, while it purifies gold. For the children of God this gift of holiness becomes the cry of our hearts. “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:2-3).
Frankincense was burned in worship to the Lord, thus fire is closely connected with holiness. “Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called out to another and said, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory’” (Isaiah 6:2-3). The Hebrew word for “seraphim” means burning and has also been translated as “fiery serpent”, first used in Numbers. “The LORD sent fiery serpents among the people and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died” (Number 21:6). I believe these serpents were in fact holy angels, seraphim, rather then snakes, for the Hebrew word for snake is completely different. Perhaps they resembled tongues of fire and that caused the people to think of them as serpents. Again, holiness will destroy that which is not of God, that which is not divine – gold. The people were rebelling against God and Moses. They were becoming impatient in the wilderness; therefore, God sent the fiery serpents to destroy them or more accurately to destroy their rebellious spirit. Once the people confessed that they had sinned, God told Moses to make a snake (not seraphim) of bronze (a metal associated with judgment) so that any who had been bitten by the fiery serpents could look at the bronze snake and live. We are to be holy for only holiness can survive the presence of God, a God that describes Himself as “a consuming fire, a jealous God” (Deuteronomy 4:24). We are told that “each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire” (1 Corinthians 3:13-15). Everything that we think, say, and do is to come from the holiness that is imparted to us as we grow spiritually. If it does not, even if it looks good on the outside, the holy, consuming fire that God is will destroy it.
Frankincense- this holiness, this whiteness, becomes ours when we realize that “all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27). We’re told to “put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, (Godlike) in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24 AMP). The promise given to the true Christians in Sardis, a church that “talked the talk”, but did not “walk the walk”, was this gift of frankincense, this whiteness. “But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy” (Revelation 3:4). As we experientially become one with Jesus Christ we will possess more and more of this precious gift of holiness.
MYRRH means “bitterness”. It was used in perfumes but also to embalming the dead, as an anti-septic or to reduce pain. It is significant that of the 3 gifts given to Jesus only myrrh is mentioned at the beginning of His life when the Wise Men gave it to Him and at the end of His life. After Jesus had been crucified His body was taken by Joseph of Arimathaea, “Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews” (John 19:39-40).
Why is gold and frankincense mentioned only at the beginning of Jesus’ life, but myrrh at the beginning and the end? It is because gold – salvation – is a one-time gift. Once it is given it is never revoked. “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29)
Holiness-the frankincense, is also a gift that though it grows as we experientially clothe ourselves with Jesus Christ, is given to us all at once at the beginning of our walk with Him. From the Lord’s point of view once we’ve accepted the gift of salvation we’re as holy as we’ll ever be. We don’t become more holy from God’s viewpoint, as time goes by. We are instantly called “saints” (Greek – hagios – same word for holy) regardless of how carnal we are.
Myrrh is different, symbolizing suffering, trials, tribulations, and afflictions. The church of Smyrna is known as the “Suffering Church”, the name “Smyrna” coming from myrrh. Suffering and persecution is something Jesus experienced from the beginning of His life, from the flight into Egypt to avoid the wrath of King Herod, to the end of His life, to His wrongful crucifixion. We’re told that suffering was such an integral of Jesus’ life that, “Although He was a Son; He learned obedience from the things which He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8).
Jesus never escaped the myrrh- the persecutions, throughout His entire life. No one has suffered more unjustly than He. And just as He was given the gift of myrrh by Wise Men, so we too, along with the gift of gold (salvation), and the gift of frankincense (holiness), are to receive the gift of myrrh (suffering) from the hand of the Lord, the wisest of men. It is not done to destroy us, but to teach us obedience. Suffering, trials, tribulations, persecutions are a natural part of this life. “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).
Stories of suffering in God’s Word-
Adam and Eve gave birth to Cain who murdered his brother;
Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers;
Job lost his wealth, position of influence, and his health;
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into a fiery furnace;
Daniel was thrown into a lion’s den;
John the Baptist was beheaded;
The Apostle James was slain by King Herod;
Peter and John were thrown into a dungeon;
Paul was hated and stoned.
We are not alone in our suffering; it is not unique to us. Paul said, “To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now” (1 Corinthians 4:11-13). Suffering – myrrh – will be a major part of our lives. So, are we to accept the gold and frankincense from the Lord and not the myrrh?
Job faced this question after having lost everything and his wife encouraged him to turn away from God. “But he said to her, ‘You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil’” (Job 2:10 ESV)? That is faith. Job recognized the sovereignty of God and willingly received not only the good – the gold and frankincense – but the bad also – the myrrh. The gift of myrrh is not to destroy, but to purify. “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17). “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10). He desires to give to us; the same gifts He received. Gold (salvation), frankincense (holiness), and myrrh (bitterness), that we might be one with Him as 50/He is one with the Father.
Ultimately God showed them a DIFFERENT ROUTE for their RETURN, for only GOD could do so ALWAYS.
NOW WHAT ABOUT THE SHEPHERDS- WHICH LIGHT did they receive?
In (Luke 2.8-20) Amazingly there was an ANGELIC VISITATION of THE LORD.
1. The ANGEL of THE LORD brought the glory (LIGHT) RHEMA WORD of THE King’s birth to them. They also knew that this King’s kingdom would have NO END. (Isaiah 9. 6-7)
2. A Multitude of heavenly hosts praising GOD manifested along with the angel.
3. Shepherds would never go to a Palace to Seek THE KING, as they could only understand by REVELATION-LIGHT (made known to them) where THE KING was to be born. As they were accustomed to sheep, goats and cattle-grazing, they easily identified the KING IN THE MANGER. What’s important is though they didn’t bring any gifts for the baby Jesus, they were the 1st messengers to carry THE WORD of the Messiah’s birth, from the angel.
4. Now the SHEPHERDS RELEASED THE LIGHT they received, to all around making them wonder in awe, as to what they saw and heard.
This day we don’t need the Star-light or the Angel of light to release tidings to us.IT is the MORNING-STAR who needs HIS STAR-LIGHT to be released through us, into the world.
THE Question now is: ARE you still A STAR-GAZER looking for THE KING, or would you allow "THE MORNING-STAR JESUS CHRIST" to GAZE into and through you to a LOST HUMANITY living without JESUS CHRIST.
My prayer then for you is, allow JESUS CHRIST to be your STAR-GAZER, so that because of your decision, many would be blessed and would come out of HEROD’S PALACE (The World's system: Lust of the eyes, Lust of the flesh, and the Pride of Life), instead of going for a DE-TOUR. I Thank GOD for you, that through CHRIST'S LIGHT shining in and through you, the church would become a LIGHT-HOUSE in every market-place and place of rule. PRAISE GOD.
