Tag epiphany

There Will Always Be Rulers Who Will Suppress the Truth

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I am not sure where I first read this but I thought it was worthwhile to be passed on to my readers so I did. Unless we come to an Epiphany of God through Jesus, unless we realize that God is with us in the form of man the God-man Jesus, then we have not had a true encounter with the living Christ. Wise men were seeking the King of the Jews. What they found was a 2-year-old boy. What they knew was a star had guided them to the very place the King of the Jews could be found. Having met the one spoken of by the prophets of old, they were warned in a dream to leave a different way because Herod had desired to kill this child king.
The three Magi before Herod, France, early 15t...

The three Magi before Herod, France, early 15th century. Stained glass: colored glass, grisaille; lead. Restored by F. Pivet, 1999. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Epiphanies are “aha” moments, times when we come to realize something that should have been as plain as the noses on our faces. This Day of Epiphany starts a chain-reaction of aha moments as the human family begins to recognize that Jesus the Messiah has come. The epiphany of which we speak is an increasing revelation that began with the shepherds and the Wise Men, extended to Simeon and Anna at Jesus’ presentation as an infant, then to John the Baptist and those who saw Jesus’ baptism, further to the servants of the wedding at Cana, and on to worshipers at his hometown synagogue in Nazareth. By the time this year’s season has come to its end at the Transfiguration, we will be reminded that God, who is greater than Moses or Elijah, is with us!

What we know of Herod we know primarily from a historian (Josephus) who did not like him, as well as from this testimony in Matthew. Herod was, by their testimony, insecure, paranoid, easily threatened, and ready to act violently if he thought someone might be in his way.
But in Matthew’s story, our Christian story, Herod is not just a maniacal historical figure. He is also stand-in for the powers of the world. These powers keep others from accessing truth they do not want to be accessed, and then try to control the outcome of any truth discovered.

The Magi are free agents initially drawn into Herod’s scheme as pawns. The angels in dreams send them home by another way; and in the verses following, send the Holy Family into exile in Egypt, also as free agents. Herod lashes out with extreme violence, ordering the execution of every Jewish male under age two unless he may have missed someone.

 God’s consistent activity in this story was Epiphany! God acted in surprising, transforming ways to subvert the powers that be and all they would attempt to stop God’s reign from being made known (Epiphany!) through Jesus. In nature, God arranged the alignment of planets viewed by the astrologers. Through the astrologers going to Jerusalem, the wrong people are asked and Herod’s suspicions are raised. Through Herod, the Magi discover where they need to go to find the king they seek. Through a series of dreams, God leads the astrologers and the Holy Family to safety in the face of what were very serious death threats from Herod. It is subversion after subversion, God never once using the “right channels” to spread the word of the newborn king and God’s kingdom surely coming to all the world. Not once. God always acted by Epiphany!

Not Knowing.

Have you ever thought of the things that the wise men did not know? Like Abraham, they set out on a journey, not knowing where it would take them (Hebrews 11:8). They did not know how long the trip would take when they decided to follow the star that appeared in the East. Then, they did not know how they would be received in the faraway foreign land. They did not know what the king would look like; nor did they know when or if they would return home. Yet they, like Abraham, chose to make the journey.

Following the light of God is a similar journey requiring faith. We often feel that we don’t know where our journey will lead us, and we certainly never know what we will find along the way. We do, however, know that God goes before us, and with us, and that the journey is not in vain.
 Notice the prominence of images of light in the Epiphany readings. So many people are looking for a light at the end of the tunnel — something to signal an end to the present madness. Their concerns and fears wear a dozen faces: loneliness, depression, economics, bullying, terrorism, disease, marital discord — the list goes on. Epiphany’s reminder of the unchanging love of God for us is as refreshing as a glimpse of light at the end of a dark tunnel.
God is still at work today to thwart the schemes and plans of the enemy of truth. His will, will be done on earth as it is in heaven. There is no greater power in heaven or earth that can outwit, outlast, out maneuver God. All the plans of evil men to suppress the truth will come to naught. God’s ways will flourish and all those who are willing to accept His guidance shall be delivered from evil.

This is the true meaning of the word Epiphany! Eureka I found it. I found the truth. I found life and purpose. I found the one who was foretold by the prophets of old. I found Jesus! So can you if you are willing to seek Him with your entire being. You must be willing to face opposition and overcome those who are more than happy to keep you ignorant of the truth. There will be many who will try to suppress the truth by their actions. They like Herod of old will do everything within their power to keep you from finding the truth and to hinder the truth from being found out.

You are being lied to my friends and I am here to tell you that you can get victory over Herod’s lies. His reign of destruction will not continue and will be brought to an end. But the Kingdom of God shall remain forever. Now that is something to shout EUREKA about.

eagle_feather_icon.gifThis is a view from the nest. What say you?

But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness.

Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)

Along for the journey

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This has been A View from the Nest. The statements, comments, or opinions expressed are solely that of the author and do not represent the views or opinions of the host of this site or any affiliates thereof. Any questions or comments should be directed to myself and not to the host or hosts of this site.

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Following the Stars

Allen Frederick 3 Comments

Those who are wise will shine like the bright expanse ?of the heavens?, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3

Following the Star

The Wise Men followed a star to the place where Jesus was. For they saw his sign and came to worship Him. They brought with them gifts fit for a king. We consider these star-gazers as wise men because they sought out Jesus Christ. Daniel tell us that the truly wise will be like that star which leads others to Christ.

Many people try to be stars in the world of entertainment, only to find their stardom temporary. With the advent of the Internet and social media almost anyone can become an overnight sensation. YouTube has launched many an unknown into super stardom when a video goes viral.

Reality TV is another avenue that turns ordinary citizens into media stars. Their exposure on these programs (some exposing more than others) cause them instant fame and recognition. These stars however soon become dim and fade from view.

Contrast these temporary examples stardom with the stardom spoken of by Daniel.

God tells us how we can be eternal “stars”-by being wise and leading many to God’s righteousness.

A wise man not only seeks Christ but leads others to him as well. We are called to be LIGHTS in a dark world. We are to be the stars that others can use to navigate their way through life. We should be the light that shines on the place where Jesus can be found.

Are you a star in God’s Kingdom or are you seeking temporary stardom in an earthly kingdom? Will you be the star that leads wise men, women and children to Christ or should we look for another?

If we share our Lord with others, we can be true stars-radiantly beautiful in God’s sight!

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The Christmas Light

Allen Frederick 1 Comment

image_thumb.pngA View from the Nest

Random Ramblings from the Resident Raptor

Insight from the Journey across the Sky

And the light goes on shining in the dark; it is not overcome by the dark. John 1:5 (BBE)


Fourth man
Image by stuant63 via Flickr

Traveling East on the PA turnpike late Christmas Eve a strange thing happened. As I was approaching the city limits of Philadelphia the sky grew brighter and my visibility increased greatly. It was like the sun was starting to rise. The only problem was the clock read 1 AM, far too early for a sunrise. But the closer I got to the city the brighter the sky appeared. I was amazed at how much light was being refracted off the low cloud cover and the light intensity being reflected off the snow covered ground. I do not recall ever seeing anything like this before in my life and I was truly awestruck. In fact I had to double check the time to make absolutely sure it was only 1 AM.

Light is an amazing thing. It does not take a lot of light to illuminate the night. Prior to reaching Philadelphia I had logged over 200 miles of dark stretches of the PA turnpike. I drove past several cities and did not notice this daylight effect until reaching the outskirts of Philadelphia. I really do not understand the science behind this strange lighted nighttime sky but it was truly a remarkable experience.


Since it was Christmas morning I thought it was appropriate that the sky would be illuminated by a mysterious light. Astronomers will probably be able to explain to me how exactly the night sky appeared as if dawn was approaching and I would enjoy any knowledge that could be shed on this phenomenon. My little bit of research for this article did not uncover anything but I am sure there is an explanation.

Today the Christian church celebrates Epiphany, the story of the wise men coming to Jerusalem from the East to follow a light seen shining in the Eastern sky. They too were amazed at the bright light in the Eastern Sky and sought out the meaning of it. They traveled to Jerusalem for they knew that a King of Israel was born, and Jerusalem was the seat of government so that is where they went to inquire of the new kings birth. Herod called all the chief priests and scribes together to inquire of the scriptures as to were exactly this king was to be born. Wouldn’t it be nice if our own government leaders would take time to inquire of the scriptures to explain the times and seasons.

Now when the birth of Jesus took place in Beth-lehem of Judaea, in the days of Herod the king, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is the King of the Jews whose birth has now taken place? We have seen his star in the east and have come to give him worship. And when it came to the ears of Herod the king, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And he got together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, questioning them as to where the birth-place of the Christ would be. And they said to him, In Beth-lehem of Judaea; for so it is said in the writings of the prophet, You Beth-lehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the chiefs of Judah: out of you will come a ruler, who will be the keeper of my people Israel. Matthew 2:1-6

Unlike the wise me I, on the other hand, was heading East to join family and friends for Christmas day. I was not in search of a King, nor was I following a star, but because of this nighttime illumination I was reminded of the real meaning of the season. God’s magnificent creation was proclaiming all over again that Jesus is the Light of the world, and He had come to illuminate the darkness. Anyone who follows after the Light will not stumble around in darkness but have the light of life. John 8:12 NKJV


Have you seen the light? Has your life been illuminated by the light the shines in the darkness? Are you like the Wise men of old seeking the King whose star was seen shining in the Eastern sky? One day Jesus is going to come again and his coming will be like a light shining from East to West. Will you be ready when He appears?

Because as in a thunderstorm the bright light coming from the east is seen even in the west; so will be the coming of the Son of man. Matt 24:27 (BBE)

But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)



Along for the journey

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Aha Moments

Allen Frederick Leave a comment

Spiritual Insight for your “Journey across the Sky”

A View from the Nest www.eagleviews.org

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:1 & 2 (NKJV)

epiph11cepiph·a·ny 3 a (1): a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2): an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking (3): an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure b: a revealing scene or moment

Have you ever had one of those aha moments? You know the ones, where all of a sudden a light goes off and you realize the answer to a puzzle you have been trying to solve. One of those moments where something profound hits your consciousness like a freight train. You get run over from the experience. It is something you can not deny. You know it when you experience it. One of those instant enlightening moments as if someone suddenly turns the light on and you can clearly see for the first time in a long time.

To a song writer it is the “hook”. To a scientist perhaps a newly discovered gene. To the novelist, a plot twist and to a child perhaps it is the first step. To Archimedes it was the discovery of buoyancy for which he is reportedly to have shouted “Eureka”! To Isaac Newton it may have been when he got hit on the head with a falling apple. Young Albert Einstein was struck with inspiration when handed a compass and realized that some unseen force in space was making it move.

Aha moments are everywhere. They come unexpectedly most times but usually while searching. Although they appear to be sudden discoveries, they are however the eventual outcome of due diligence. Curiosity causes a ripple effect to begin. The constant searching and seeking after understanding led many a young pioneer to new discoveries and great advances in the arts and sciences. Without curiosity and the constant seeking for answers there would be no new discoveries, or aha moments to write about.

Sir Isaac Newton put it best when he said:

“I keep the subject of my inquiry constantly before me, and wait till the first dawning opens gradually, by little and little, into a full and clear light.”

The Christian life has unfolding moments like that, when you discover there is much more to God and his kingdom than you first knew, much more to his purpose for you than you imagined. Abraham experienced that at age 75, Moses at age 80, the Apostle Paul on the road to Damascus.
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