Tag Archives: bible

Three Wise Men? Maybe.

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It never fails to amaze me how people insist on there being three wise men who visited Jesus on the night of his birth. It shows how tradition can be so misleading.

The biblical narrative of Jesus’s birth reveals nuanced details often misunderstood in popular depictions. Scripture clearly indicates that shepherds were the first to visit the newborn Jesus on the night of his birth, while the wise men arrived later at a house, not the stable. Though traditional nativity scenes frequently portray three wise men, the Gospel of Matthew does not specify their exact number. The actual count could have been two, three, or potentially even twenty travelers who journeyed to pay homage to the child.

Biblical scholars and nativity scene artists often depict an inaccurate representation of the wise men’s visit to Jesus. According to scriptural accounts, the magi did not arrive at the stable where Jesus was born, but rather visited him later in a house, when he was likely a young child. Please read it yourself. Don’t take my word for it.

If we go by the Scripture, which we should, the wise men might have visited as much as two years after Jesus’ birth and likely at least a month later. It may have taken a month or more to move from the manger to a house. Moreover, Matthew calls Jesus a child, not a baby.

Many scholars suggest the visit occurred when Jesus was around one to two years old, based on King Herod’s decree to kill male children under two. While the exact age remains uncertain, it seems most likely that Jesus was slightly older than a toddler. Matthew’s gospel implies he was no longer an infant, as the term “baby” was not used to describe him at this point.

Periodically, I find myself compelled to address this topic, recognizing that not everyone is fully informed. Though some may question its significance, I believe the matter is crucial. Subtle misquotations can be particularly misleading, as even a slight distortion of context or a few misplaced words can fundamentally alter understanding. I’ve often contemplated whether the narrative of the wise men truly belongs within the traditional Christmas narrative, given the potential for misinterpretation.

Something New

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At 78 years old, I’ve been a devoted Christian since my early teens. Despite decades of church attendance, I continue to be humbled by new revelations. Surprisingly, I still encounter profound insights that are remarkably simple—revelations I should have grasped long ago, yet they continue to surprise and enlighten me.

Despite owning multiple Bibles throughout my life, the core text has remained remarkably consistent. I’ve read three different versions completely, cycling through them eight times in total. One might assume such extensive reading would render the scripture entirely familiar. Yet, surprisingly, just hours ago, I discovered a fresh theological insight that had previously escaped my understanding.

Even more surprising, it is based on a parable I must have heard a hundred times. Okay, let’s say ninety-nine. Actually, that too is an exaggeration. Nonetheless, I am so familiar with it that I can almost quote it from memory.

Nestled within Matthew 20:1-16, this compelling parable offers profound insights into divine generosity and fairness. The narrative centers on a vineyard owner who hires laborers throughout the day, yet remarkably compensates each worker equally with a full day’s wage of one denarius, regardless of the hours worked. This powerful story invites readers to explore deeper themes of grace, equity, and unexpected compassion beyond conventional economic expectations. I would hope you would read the parable, especially if you are not familiar with it. I must admit, I was among those that was confused by the parable the first dozen times I heard and read it. It does seem a bit unfair. However, Jesus does not promise us fairness. If he treated us fairly, we would all end up in Hell. What he offers is mercy for those willing to accept his forgiveness.

Now, let me digress to some of my own experience before explaining my recent revelation. When I went into the Marines, the most common advice I got from veterans was, “Keep your nose clean and do as you’re told, and the stripes will come along on their own.”

Though I thought little of it at the time, I did find it to be true. In spite of mistakes I made along the way, I did sew on my my sergeant strips before the end of my first four years. Also, I found it also worked well in the civilian world as well.

Throughout my career, several personal choices set me apart from my colleagues. My abstinence from alcohol meant I rarely attended social gatherings where drinks were served. I maintained a principled stance against contributing to United Way and I never had an interest in golf. I’ll let you determine which of these choices was most significant, but I am sure sure golfing would have had real advantages.

Now, have you ever pondered the divine principles of advancement? Until recently, such a contemplation had never crossed my mind. It never seemed that important.

I recognize my inherent limitations in measuring up to divine standards. What criteria does God use when selecting and determining an individual’s purpose and path?

It almost seems that Jesus chose his disciples randomly. If you stop and ponder it for a moment, you know that isn’t true. He knew each of the disciples before forming the earth, and He knew exactly where to locate each one.

In the realm of leadership, the vineyard owner faces the critical task of selecting and empowering capable leaders. Unlike human leaders, God possesses an unparalleled advantage, with omniscient insight into the potential and limitations of those He chooses. His divine perspective allows Him to anticipate success and failure with absolute certainty, rendering human attempts to impress or surprise Him through leadership prowess ultimately futile. This supreme understanding ensures that no individual can exceed or fall short of His expectations.

And here it is, folks. Playing golf or rubbing shoulders will get you nothing in God’s kingdom. He will place everyone where he wants them. In the end, they will accomplish exactly what God expects from them. He will always know the best person for the job. There will be absolutely no room for pride or boasting.

Will there be rewards. I think so but I can’t say for sure. It’s just one of those things I can’t figure out. One day, soon, I’ll know.

The important thing is, God will be there. Without God, there is no life, there is no light, there is no love. And when it is forever, there is no hope.

Mixed Emotions

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My contemplation of this matter has led me to a profound ethical crossroads. The consumption of meat is not merely a dietary choice, but a complex moral transaction where sentient creatures die to sustain human existence. Each hamburger and hotdog represents more than a meal—it embodies a silent, often overlooked narrative of animal mortality that we too readily dismiss without reflection.

In an ideal world, I long for a way to enjoy the rich, savory flavor of steak without the necessity of an animal’s life being sacrificed. Our contemporary lifestyle has distanced us from the direct process of obtaining meat, with industrialized food systems handling every stage from raising to slaughtering livestock. We are far removed from the primal act of hunting and preparing our own food, instead receiving neatly packaged proteins that often end up discarded, rendering the animal’s ultimate sacrifice meaningless. This disconnection raises profound questions about our relationship with food, consumption, and the ethical implications of our dietary choices.

For sure, even those of us who do eat meat, we should endeavor to make sure that not one ounce of meat be wasted. However, when we live in a land of plenty, it’s just so easy for us to kill a hundred animals when we only need eighty.

Throughout biblical history, the consumption of meat is not merely permissible but divinely sanctioned. The Passover narrative demonstrates God’s explicit instructions regarding both the selection and preparation of meat. Moreover, Jesus Christ himself participated in meat consumption and even prepared fish for his disciples, exemplifying the acceptability of this dietary practice. Given these scriptural precedents, it would be totally wrong to challenge or critique such established traditions of sustenance.

Every morsel of meat deserves respect, and we must strive to minimize waste in our culinary practices. Despite my own past shortcomings in this regard, I am committed to improving and encouraging mindful consumption.

Even more, we should all be mindful to take a moment or two to tell God how grateful we are for the meat and the vegetables as well. While we’re at it, we should also be thankful for our shelter and clothing too. It’s all so easy to forget the things provided to us by God.

In the midst of life’s complexities, we often neglect God’s most profound gift: salvation. The Passover lamb, sacrificed as a symbolic precursor to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, reveals a depth of love that transcends human comprehension. While the death of an animal carries weight, Christ’s voluntary surrender of life for humanity’s redemption is infinitely more profound. Tragically, many remain unaware or indifferent to this transformative act of divine grace, overlooking the most significant offering of love in human history.

Yes, I feel bad that animals must die for my life. But how much more, how bad I feel to know that that the creator of all gave up his life, that I might have eternal life. So very much, I wish that was not a requirement for salvation. However, I don’t believe he would have laid his life down for me if their was another way.

When we get to heaven, as near as I can tell, we won’t eat meat; only fruits and vegetables. Animals won’t need to die to provide life for me.

Right now, yes, I eat meat. However, one day, I won’t. I’ll have no need or desire for it.

Daily writing prompt
What are your feelings about eating meat?
View all responses

In the What if Department

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Maybe, perhaps, conceivably I should start writing posts again and specialize in the strictly odd or unusual. At the current rate, that would be about one a week.

So here am I thinking the thing is settled. The thing is I keep hearing this what if thing. Silly me. I kept saying, “Not going to happen. It’s done. It’s settled. There is simply no way that they will bring that criminal by the name of Garcia back to the US.

Color me stupid. Color me wrong. The what if actually happened, you know that impossible one. So now I must consider the highly improbability of the what if.

Already we know part of it. He has a ton of indictments hung about his neck. Looks like he will go on trial, which may go on forever and a day. You know how good these lawyers are these days. One thing and the other, it could be this time next year before the trial starts.

Those barristers will love that being as they change by the hour. Altogether, the trial will cost two and a half bundles. We all know the value of just one bundle. By the way, he will also get housed and fed all this time as well. That means at least one more bundle.

Now we must consider another separation in the pathway. What if he is convicted. Well, he will go to prison, ironically in more comfort than if he found not guilty. If found not guilty, he would immediately be deported to El Salvador, where he was.

Now tell me what is more unusual than a person hoping to be found guilty and perhaps even plead for a lifetime sentence.

Better than going back to his compadres down south. I am sure they would rather be in whatever prison Garcia would go to.

Casting Pearls Before Swine

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Although most of the American populace do not consider themselves Christian, most recognize the the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. The entire verse is “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you,” Matthew 7:6

I haven’t a clue why the words came to mind. To be sure, God could have reminded me of it. On the other hand, I just might have thought of it on my own. Regardless which way it was, God did know, even before my birth that I was going to think of it. To some degree, He just might want me to write about it. I am not saying he wants me to. However, apparently, He is going to allow me to express my thoughts on the subject.

Even if He has not told me to do it, I apparently have His permission, that is, if this gets published. He can do things like that you know. He can speak by giving me the words and He can speak by keeping me from writing the words. It is in His power.

Even so, and here is the strange part, He still gives me the choice of if I want or don’t want to write on it.

That is a sort of ultra short sermon on the theology of free will and predestination. Enough to confuse the most learned theologian, with a doctor’s degree.

At any rate, as I said, I was thinking about the verse. As in many cases, I believe that He is using His words of instruction for a multipurpose. The one most look at, the obvious one is that we should not speak His word before those who will likely treat is lightly, or worse, as if it is false.

This does prompt the question, if the guy is bad, should we never preach the word to him?

I don’t think that was the idea at all. To understand, we must look at the second meaning. To understand the second meaning, we must understand the way they looked at dogs and pigs. At that time, in that society, dogs and pigs were the worst unclean animals.

I suspect, He was talking of the pigs and dogs as much as the pearls. The pearls are highly prized. The dogs and pigs were good for nothings; bottom of the heap. It was His method of representing the worst of the worst of the human race. That is the bottom of the heap of humanity.

Now, let’s take a close look at the verse before, 7:5 which was about people who are judgmental. My guess, but do you suppose that when He is talking about the bottom of the heap, he just might be talking about those who were judgmental. Many times, Jesus spoke of two types of people, those who were sinners who sought salvation and healing, spiritually as well as physically. The others were those who were too good to need salvation. You see, the Pharisees were convinced that they didn’t need salvation. They were, by their standards without sin.

You see, he was targeting those who were “too good” to need salvation. It was they that were He was comparing with the dogs and the pigs.

To be sure, the most difficult people to lead to salvation are those who are too good to need it. Also, they are the ones who really need it the most. By Jesus’s own words, they are the dogs and the pigs. Moreover, he has warned us that if we should take care. If we try to speak the Good News to them, they just might turn on us and “rend” us, that is to say, destroy those trying to bring the Word to them.

You see, many of them have been vaccinated. They have received the vaccine of the false prophets so that they are now immune to the real word of God.

A Distortion of the Facts

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It would seem, in order to make their point, they dims decided to distort the story. They weren’t the first and they won’t be the last. The dems and Satan are well aware that deceit is far more effective than a lie. It is also a reason I encourage people to read the Bible for themselves instead of relying on others. It is my personal opinion that the Bible is one of the most distorted books.

Consider the saying, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” While it sounds nice, I haven’t a clue who first said it. It’s not in the Bible. Then too, their are those who will say they believe in doing as the good book says; this while ignorant of what the good book says.

Then, there are those who use the word “migrant” to describe the journey of Mary and Joseph. First, the word “migrate” or any of its forms is not in the story. Please read it for yourself in the second chapter of Luke. It is better for you to read the story directly in your copy of the Bible.

They like to use the idea of Mary and Joseph being migraters for justification of an open border.

They were not migrants, nor did they cross any national borders. Their actions were totally legal. Moreover, the travel was prompted by the most powerful human on Earth at the time. The Caesar ordered Joseph to Bethlehem, in effect. Following the orders of the Caesar is not my definition of migration. I would hope it’s not yours. Otherwise, every time I go to Memphis, I would be a migrant. While technically that might be true, I would not consider it the most accurate term.

Finally, I would not use the term migration for those illegally crossing the border. Some might be criminals. Some might be smugglers. At the least they are illegal aliens.

I realize that, in the eyes of some, it is a small technicality, but it is still an undeniable fact, which the Democrats are trying their best to get us to ignore.

The truth is, they are figuratively people cutting in line, jumping in front of those obeying the laws and the rules. No matter how you look at it, it’s not just illegal, but also morally despicable. The fact that it’s wrong is likely the reason it was made illegal.

By the way, I am not the only one who dislikes the distortion of God’s word. Better that you learn from me than from God.

Can You Lose Eternal Life?

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It is a question that has been argued down through the centuries. Some say this. Some say that. As for me, I believe it can be answered with one simple question and again reinforced with a second.

If you are in danger of losing your eternal life, then was it ever truly eternal life? If you lose eternal life, can you again regain it? If so, how many times can this be repeated?

In my book, eternal life is eternal, by definition. Those who don’t have eternal life, never had it.

Eternal life is a gift given to us by God. By definition, gifts are not earned but can only be received. If you work for a gift, then what you get, cannot be a gift but a reward.

More important, earning eternal life is not in our power. To say that it is, is an attempt to negate the need for the gift. With his death and resurrection, he has paid for our eternal life. How can anyone add to that? Why would anyone turn down such a valuable gift.

Yet, people try to earn salvation. Every day, people turn their backs on the gift. So instead of the gift of eternal life, they receive the punishment of eternal death.

Thank the Lord for Discipline

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It is a difficult thing for a child to be thankful when his hand is being slapped but he should be. That slap on the hand is far less harmful and painful than that jolt of electricity from that wall socket.

Okay. I agree. The socket should be covered. Still, a little slap on the wrist is in order when a child starts trying to put his fingers in the socket, covered or not.

To be sure, I believe there is a big difference between discipline and punishment. The object behind punishment is justice; whereas, the object behind discipline is, or at least should be love. We as parents, from time to time, cause a little harmless pain to avoid the larger pain, or perhaps harm. As parents, we need to remember that, regardless of any anger.

When God disciplines us, it is in love and we should remember that. We should always learn from it as well as be reassured. After all, in general, people normally don’t discipline the strange child in love. When God disciplines us, it is a strong indicator that He is our Father and we are His child. It tells us we are saved and we are forever his. No one can ever take us from Him, ever.

Believe me, I have felt the hand of His discipline all too often. I didn’t like it. I am sure, I have asked why me? But He was always right and I was always wrong. And I learned and I continue to learn today, to my dismay.

How-some-ever, let me say this now before the whole world, I am so very grateful to my God that he disciplines me. It is because He loves me and that is very reassuring.

God disciplines nations too. Then, you know that. Repeatedly, he disciplined Judah when they strayed. Then, they repented and God rewarded them. The last time, God disciplined them several times and Judah turned their back on God. They called the chastising a coincidence and continued in their disobedience.

So, God increased the levels. He told them in advance and raised up the nation of Babylon. As predicted, they went into captivity and to this day, they have not returned to their former greatness.

As with Israel, I believe that the US has found favour with God. How else could we get where we are. However, if we keep turning our back to God, I have to believe that the Same thing will happen to us as Judah. If we keep writing off the warnings as coincidence, or weather change! He can raise up a nation and destroy us, as he destroyed Judah. What does makes me wonder, why has He already done it. By the way, He need not raise up another nation. He can use natural disasters, or a few terrorists with a big bomb.

As I write this, I remain in hope while I can’t help but fear. I know what it is like to feel His discipline. I do have something of an idea of what can happen, faster than anyone can imagine.

If you doubt any of this read the books of kings and chronicles in the Bible. The books, true, are religious. However, they are also very accurate history books.

Regardless; with all the blessings we have received as a nation from God, why in the world would anyone want to turn our backs on Him now? Better to receive His blessings than His discipline; or worse, His judgement.

Then & Now

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I was listening to a preacher one time. By the way, it is a good idea to listen to good spirit filled preachers. It is possible to learn things; things that can really help you.

At any rate, he was explaining the reason reason the Romans rejected Christianity. His explanation did make sense. I also suspect, with his education, he knew what he was talking about.

At any rate, you ever notice the Romans had no problems accepting the Greek gods. To them, the way they figured it, the more the merrier. I’m not sure anyone knows how many gods the Romans had. They had one for this and the one for that. If a person wanted to add a god, no problem. You could add your own god and your own religion and no one would complain.

The difference with Christianity was John 14: 6: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by me.” It is a quote by Jesus Himself.

You see that made Christianity different and exclusive. If a person believed in Christianity, he could no longer believe in his gods. Well, in a way, I suppose he might but for one thing. If he tries to believe in both, the above statement by Jesus requires the denouncing of all other gods or he does not believe not believe Jesus.

The Romans didn’t like that. I mean everyone was getting along really well and then Jesus comes along and tells us that if you are going to accept Jesus as your savior, you must deny all the rest.

Believe it or not, some people actually had investments in the other gods. They sold idols and I am sure that they took offerings to them. Moreover, they had their customs, some of which encouraged some very horrible rituals. Strange as it may seem, some actually offered their children as sacrifices.

So it was, if a person was to become a Christian, they had to give that all up. Moreover, those that did not accept Christianity were looked on by the Christians as godless and lost. They were always going around seeking people to convert to this new faith. It was bothersome, you see. One minute you are carrying this nice conversation with an acquaintance and then, of all things, they were talking about you being a sinner and being in danger of hell forever.

That is basically what the preacher said, though I did add a little. You can imagine how this irritated the Romans. Think about it. Sort of the way that Christian neighbor keeps trying to get you to accept Jesus as your savior. I mean, it is a bummer trying to come up with all these excuses as to why you just can’t go to church with him.

The way it was back then, is sort of the way it is now. It’s sort of why people don’t like us Christians acting like Christians.

There is one more thing that is the same. Those that die without Jesus as their savior, will spend eternity in hell. It is kind of why we Christians become so bothersome. We are only trying to provide you with some very important information. It just might save you.

One more thing that is the same now as then. Jesus is the only way to salvation. It is perfectly exclusive and there is no other way. If your faith is in another religion of any kind, it will do you no good. You call yourself Catholic or Baptist, it won’t help you. You must accept Jesus as your savior.

The tragedy is that there will be many “good men” who don’t make it to heaven. Being good does not help you at all. No one, but no one is good enough to go to heaven. If we could be good enough, Jesus would not have needed to go to the Cross. If you say you are good enough you don’t need salvation, you are calling Jesus a liar. That in itself will be enough to send you to hell.

What’s in a Name?

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I happened to land on station where a Church of Christ preacher was trying to convince us that The Church of Christ is the only true church. He said it is only logical as it is named The Church of Christ. Better for him to teach about Jesus and salvation than to take such pride in his church. I mean, he has the attention of people for 15 to 20 minutes. Is it more important to speak on the Church of Christ or about Christ and salvation in that short time.

I listened to him for a while. I found it rather interesting the mental gymnastics he was going through to prove his point. The thing is, it had no standings. There is nowhere in the Bible that says that only the church named, Church of Christ is the real church. On the contrary. In the one place where people were trying to do anything like that, Paul scolded them. He said that some were saying that they they only believed Jesus, and some only Peter. (I Cor. 1:12…)

The only real important thing was what they taught. If they taught the word of God accurately, then they were part of the church of Christ. For years, the Catholics tried to claim they were the only Church. Today, there are still some that believe it. The hitch is that many of the things they teach are not biblical.

The way I judge a Church is very simple. If they teach the word of God accurately; if the church, especially the leadership practices what they preach, then I will give that church at least part of my approval. However, to give it my full approval, I have to see evidence that the Holy Spirit is moving in the church. If the Spirit of God approves of the church, who am I to say any different.

How do I know if the Holy Spirit is moving in the Church? It’s easy. If you have seen the Holy Spirit move in a church, you’d never again ask that question.

How-some-ever, here are some hints. The Holy Spirit always points to Jesus. It is part of his mission. If the preacher tries to claim the glory, he is not working under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If he says, his church is the only church, it is time to get highly suspicious. I believe there are likely 4 or 5 major denominations are valid representatives of God, though there may be more.

I am Southern Baptist. However, I have listened to several Presbyterian preachers that I respect very much. I have heard some non-denominational preachers too that I believe teach the word accurately. I have heard a few, not many, Lutheran preachers who knew of what they spoke. And, yes I have heard a few Church of Christ preachers who I respected. Strange as it may seem, I have even heard a few Catholic preachers who seemed to have it right.

The thing this. We really need to be careful about who we say are not of Jesus Christ. If the church is teaching good sound doctrine and the Holy Spirit is on them, maybe we should just hold our tongue.

If they are teaching unbiblical doctrine, yeah, then it is open season on them. However, take care. Before you open your mouth, open the Bible and make sure of your position.

Finally, one more thing. I have noticed that preachers of different faiths do have discussions with each other from time to time. This, believe it or not, without throwing bookends at each other. The good thing about that, each preacher will go away better for it. They will both understand the Bible better after when their ideology is challenged.