Matthew 2

Over my life time there has been a significant change in who is a hero, a star and role model. When I was a boy I dreamed of being a soldier or a sports star. I wanted to be like Mickey Mantle and play baseball in the majors. Those were the days of Mickey Mantle before he was outed as an alcoholic. But in the sixties news traveled as fast as your daily paper could get to your door step, so your dreams lingered un tarnished for years. There still was an expectation of people in the news of a Christian like morality. Today with the internet and tools such as Twitter, Facebook and websites; news is instantaneous and even unreliable.

Today culture seems more drawn to immature overpaid actors, actresses, politicians and athletes being immoral and irresponsible. Being arrested for a DWI is headline news and the expectation is that high priced lawyers will prevail and negate the need for real justice. Laws are no longer black and white. Money and loopholes are used to exploit the legal system and bolster these immoral life styles. Christian morals are seen as a hindrance to making news and gaining the headlines not to mention living a carnal lifestyle.

So how does all this relate to a significant part of the Christmas Story, the Magi? As I re- read Matthew 2 I am in awe of the Magi's quest to follow the Christ, a new King the promised Savior. What strikes me is they where in tune with what God was telling them. But before they were listening they were seeking Him with open hearts and minds. This had to be a result of a hunger and desire to see greatness and righteousness. They were willing to leave their homes travel to the ends of the earth on this quest. To follow this star to the King that fulfilled the promise.

This is a huge contrast today's culture and the fallen "stars" I mentioned above. This causes me to pause and reflect on "who am I following". I do not have Twitter or Facebook accounts (anymore). It became a concern for me who was I following, was I spending more time online than I was reading the Bible, serving, praying and worshiping. Also, was I following people to elevate my self-esteem or was I looking for gossip or something else that detracts from my Godly witness?

Matthew 2 is a reminder of who we need to follow and provides a yard stick of faith as seen in the Magi. Think about it, when we get to heaven we will likely see the Magi. What would you discuss with them? Your favorite Twitter feeds - Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Obama.

Join me in following the only star that matters - Jesus Christ. What a great time to dive into the Bible and remember what we celebrate at Easter. His birth was signaled by a star, His death by an eclipse. Our creator used the physical world to speak to the Magi, how are you seeking and following Him.

On a side note: Mickey Mantle died of cirrhosis of the liver. But as he was dying he called a friend and team mate from the Yankees - Bobby Richardson. Here is an excerpt from an interview of Bobby Richardson remembering their death bed encounter.

Bobby Richardson:

"Some years later in Dallas, Texas, he was in the hospital, already had a liver transplant. And my phone rang in the hotel, it was early in the morning. It was Mickey and he said, “I’m really hurtin.” We had prayer together on the phone. Mickey and I talked together and as I was leaving to come back to South Carolina, I received a call that he’d taken a turn for the worst. Immediately we were on a plane flying out to Dallas. And one more time, I wanted to be bold because I wanted him to spend eternity with me in heaven - walked into Baylor Medical Center, he had a smile on his face. He said, “Come over here, I can’t wait to tell you this.” He said, “I want you to know I’m a Christian, I’ve accepted Christ as my Savior.” I cried a little bit and then I said, “Mickey let me go over it a little bit with you to make sure you understand.” "

So someday I may get to play catch with Mickey Mantle in Heaven. How cool is that!

 

Joe LoSurdo | Elder

Joe committed his life to Christ in February of 1994 through attending Hill Country Bible ChurchNorthwest. He and his wife, Debbie, have two married children and five grandchildren. Joe has served in Student, Children’s, Small Group, Assimilation, Benevolence, and Biblical Guidance Ministries. Joe and Debbie joined Hutto Bible Church in June of 2009.