BLM is a Crock

This line came to me in the early morning as I was lying in bed and contemplating all that I had been reading in Voddie Bacuham Jr.’s “Fault Lines.” But it sounded sort of harsh and judgmental so I didn’t want to use it, until I looked up the meaning of the word “crock.”

crock

NOUN 1. an earthenware pot or jar. a broken piece of earthenware 2. (informal) something considered to be compete nonsense.

VERB cause an injury to (a person or part of the body)

It fits what I thought when I first heard the phrase “black lives matter,” in light of Scripture and a world view informed by Scripture. It’s nonsense and nothing that should be attractive to a Christian with a Biblical world view. So it’s shocking to me that many well-meaning Christians have fallen for the deception, including a few well known Christian leaders. It’s another gospel, such as Paul warned the early church against, and a very inferior one.

I know I’m not going to convince anyone who believes the Black Lives Matter deception on a blog with a few paragraphs, nor do I wish to try. I’ve done you the biggest favor I can by recommending to you the best book that could possibly be written on the subject, with the best research, outline, and clarity; treated with the most honor, respect, and kindness. The search for truth is up to you. You’ve probably heard the Proverb, “One side sounds right until another comes and presents his case.”

I’ll just leave you with two thoughts from Voddie Baucham and his book. “So when Zambians began to ask me questions about the murderous and corrupt American police hunting down black men, I could not remain silent. I began to tell the stories and raise the issues that I will share with you…”

He goes on to say that the United States is the least racially prejudiced country he’s ever known or visited. After a twenty-five year career as an airline pilot, and the last fifteen of it flying internationally, I would whole heartedly agree. So who came up with this narrative (lies unfounded in fact or by evidence)? Who? What? When? Where? Why? And what are the facts?

You should ask these questions, and then decide what you believe. It’s important for you personally, for your church, for your culture, for your country. Ask God in prayer to show you truth, and the truth of this matter.

Oh, one last thing! Be kind and loving when you discuss this. You usually don’t fight fire with fire, but with water. You fight lies with truth, simple truth, spoken in love. And you trust God to do the heavy lifting. He’s the only One Who can fix this deception. Pray that He will be willing and do so.

Continue to enjoy your life of adventure and love with Him and in Him. The world changer, Paul the Apostle, said his mission was this, “To [preach] Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” [I Cor 2:2] He said his passion was this, “To know Him, the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His suffering….”[Phil 3:10] It would seem profitable and wise to do the same.

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Get to know Voddie Baucham

Hear a black theologian speak about this subject

Hear a white theologian speak about this subject

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“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:8

“The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him.” Proverbs 18:17

Fault Lines of Social Justice

“I am not an African. I am not an African American. I am an American, and I wouldn’t want to be anything else. America doesn’t owe me anything. American has blessed me beyond measure. If anything, I owe America.” These words are quoted from “Fault Lines“ written by Voddie Baucham Jr., a man’s man, raised as a boy by a single mom in Watts. They are printed along with a complete look at the current social and church issues of “social justice,” “Black Lives Matter,” “critical race theory,” “intersectionality,” etc. which are part and parcel of the same world view. He has read their background material carefully and quotes it accurately to show how it distorts truth, history, and
the Bible. He does all this with a very kind, but prophet-like, child-like honesty.

This is the most important book I’ve read this year. I’ll probably blog about it and these issues a couple more times then move on to more productive things. But it’s a deception that needs to be exposed and addressed, so you can take a stand, or understand what’s being said, why it’s being said, and what’s at stake. Do your own research, but this book is a good place to start and end. The 20/20 men’s reading and friendship group that meets in my home recently spent four sessions discussing it and we all feel the same way.

Warning, there are parts of it that are a bit academic, but that’s because he’s a college president and an academic himself. Also, the terms and their meanings have to be defined and understood before they can be discussed. But his story telling, personal history, and Spirit-led sharpness shines throughout and certainly in the end.

It’s hard hitting, factual, informative, and he addresses the things you’ve wondered about, as the media have promoted the worldview of the radical dissidents in reporting the violence and looting of the
protesters.

In the end it’s going to be a good jumping off place or segue to several blogs on lies and deception, world wide delusion really, which has been an interest and study of mine for some time, and something the Spirit continually points out to me as the main answer to, “How can these things be happening?” In the church of Jesus Christ, no less!

It you’ve been puzzled by this topic, and these events of the last year, along with the pandemic, this is a good read, and a good place to start, in your search for the truth of the matter, and what to do about it. Godspeed as you journey, and shalom.

Happy Father’s Day Abba (אבא)

“The Incredible Father & Delusional Sons”

I had the thought this morning that I should tell “Our Father,” Happy Father’s Day! So I did, using the Aramaic term for intimacy that Jesus and Paul often used when addressing our Heavenly Father, Abba, rendered in English as “Daddy.”

I was pondering the parable of the prodigal son early this Father’s Day too. It seems proximity didn’t protend relationship. It was something more that broke through to the sons in the end — seeing their Father’s heart. Experiencing His grace and love.

What caused the deception? I don’t know. We aren’t told. Being human I suppose, in a world of lies, and influenced by satan, the father of lies. But even those circumstances exist by His gracious decision and decree.

Whether you are more like the younger son or the older son, this appears to be a setup of sorts. One that forces you to come to grips with what you know about the Father and what you don’t. What is true and what isn’t true about Him.

This setup is so we may come to really know Our Father, how He is and was all along. That He may know us. That we may know ourselves. That we may know the beauty of His majesty and His grace anew. How amazing it is! And how necessary!

Godspeed on your journey, toward Him, and with Him.

Oh by the way, it’s immensely helpful if He dwells in you and with you. And if you dwell or abide with Him. (John 15:5) It was His plan all along, and His promise.

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,  from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name,  that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,  may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,  and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-21

Happy Father’s Day!

A good friend of mine named Art from Atlanta who I had the joy of meeting on a mission trip to Cuba a few years back sent this email out to family and friends this week with the invitation to share it. He makes many valuable, insightful, and instructive points, so I wanted to share it (slightly shortened for space) with fellow fathers, along with a prayer that our Father in Heaven give us grace to know Him and be like Him, with our children. Blessings on this special day!

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Atlanta is celebrating the life and works of Vincent Van Gogh, the noted but tragic painter, in a show called Van Gogh – The Immersive Experience. The show is an awe-inspiring journey into the universe of Van Gogh using an array of hi-tech resources.

A friend, senior like me, took his family to the Van Gogh show to celebrate his granddaughter’s birthday. He was amazed at the magnitude of Van Gogh’s work in art forms and writings, and the technology that produced such an experience. He shared his experience with our Friday morning group and mentioned one of Van Goph’s quotes that struck him: “What would life be if we hadn’t courage to attempt anything?”

In searching the source of this quote, I discovered a letter – long letter – written to Van Gogh’s brother, Theo. Van Gogh shared with his brother how he and his dad on Christmas day had a violent scene escalating to the point where dad told his son to leave the home, which Van Gogh did, never to return. Van Gogh was 28 at the time.

The argument was – you guessed it – over [ … ] church. How many fathers have lost their kids over religion. (Note: Van Gogh had turned to religion earlier in life, even serving as a missionary in Belgium.)

Referring back to the Van Gogh quote on courage, Van Gogh was himself a courageous person. What if Van Gogh’s dad had not made church such an issue? Van Gogh and his dad [perhaps] could have had an amicable relationship, where Van Gogh could have found himself in relationship with Jesus. The world would be benefiting from the work of a sound man who knew Jesus instead of the product of a deranged madman who at one time cut off an ear and eventually took his own life.

I have frequently written on the most severe condition of our nation that manifests in the craziness of our culture today: fatherlessness.

Here are a few thoughts after considering the father-son impasse in Van Gogh’s life that I hope you can appreciate –

  1. Saint Paul wrote: “And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
  2. After about age 12, trying to get your kid to follow you in your religious track can be like pushing on a wet noodle. Pray (Jesus is your kid’s savior, not you), lead by example, speak the truth in love. “Preach at all times; use words occasionally” (Quote attributed to St. Francis of Assisi).
  3. Be there physically and emotionally. Let your kids know how much you delight in them. (Jesus delights in us as Jesus’ Father delights in Jesus.)
  4. Don’t lie to your kids – about anything. This is especially true about trying to cover up your own life. Be honest, quick to ask forgiveness when you have wronged them, quick to forgive them,
  5. Make sure you understand and fight against the craziness of our culture to which our kids are exposed today. Speak the truth in love against it all. It’s crazy and it’s all false: more than two genders, decide your own gender, America is all bad, our founders were evil, whites are bad, our economic system is evil. If you are allowing your kid to be exposed to this cultural trash without you defending the truth, it’s as bad as lying to them, and the end is ruin for your kids and you.

Pray with me: Dads, be there, come home, make amends with your kids, and be the dads our kids deserve and need.

It’s what God expects from every dad. Responsible dads in the home who love and respect their kids make the family run like God designed it to run. And if the home runs like it should, then the country will run like it should, to the glory of God.

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Thanks Art, and Blessings to you fathers, and grace from the Father of us all! Ephesians 3 :):)

“The Mighty One, God, the Lord, has spoken, and summoned the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.”

“He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; and to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God.” Psalm 50: 1 & 23

He is Risen!

HAPPY EASTER! For centuries or perhaps most of two millennia actually, that has been the traditional greeting of one Christ follower to another Christ follower on Easter, “He is risen!” With the greeted person responding, “He is risen indeed!” It’s the hinge of history and the linchpin of God’s plan of redemption for mankind – for those who would see this amazing sacrifice followed by power over death, and believe.

I sat atop this crag this morning and watched the sunrise, thinking of His grace, His goodness, His mercy, His power, His humility, His beauty … with a full and grateful heart. I also thought of many of you. Friends with a heart connection with Him, and with me. So I started texting this photo, along with the simple text, “He is Risen!”

I received a goodly number of replies, “He is risen indeed!” That is all that need be said, and really all that can be said in light of His plan and His power — His life and light and love… in an understated, worshipful, meditative way. But I also received a few additional comments that I’ll share with you from hearts that were full, like mine.

“Yes sir, He has been good to us, that can’t duplicated by man, amazing.” Arkansas

“You just figuring that out?” Arkansas

“He has indeed and I’m glad he has done so because he is the only thing on this earth that presently makes any sense whatsoever.” Virginia

“He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come see the place where the Lord lay.” Matthew 28:6 Arkansas

“Amen.” Texas

“For us all, great reminder view you have daily!” Arkansas

“Amen and Amen. So has [my brother] [who almost died with COVID but had a supernatural recovery after much prayer] talked to him yesterday. Doin Great! Thank you for sharing that pic- I’m sharing it with many – will strike a cord in many lives – beautiful pic and essential message.” Tennessee

“And so shall we rise! Happy resurrection Sunday!” Missouri

“Amen! And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (1 Cor 15:7) Louisiana

“Thank you Yeshua!” Oklahoma

I hope your Easter was beautiful, meaningful, and reflective. That it caused your heart to swell with hope and the assurance of the Holy One being your guide, guard, and king. The Friend Who will never leave you or forsake you. That you are His! Amen. Easter Shalom to all…

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Speaking of mediation, my wife just reminded me of what we watched last Easter along with over a million other humans via YouTube. If you’d care to remember you can click here.

Tonight if we can figure it out, we’re going to watch the highly anticipated first episode of “The Chosen,” season two!

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“…let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.” Acts 4:10

Good Friday

Have you ever watched the “Chosen” film/TV series? Oddly it aired (first season/8 episodes, I think) as the pandemic was beginning a year ago…
We’re not movie people, but some brothers recommended it to me last week and my wife and I are watching it on the mountain in a few settings. It started slowly and a bit dark, hidden, and out of joint for me – mysterious.

But it has gotten very, very good. Something that seems to have supernatural help in being revelational, and bringing your spirit to a different place and reality, like the Word does. I would recommend it to you for healing and warmth, hope and joy. Easter Shalom… to all of you. :):)

The Chosen

A Different Cohen Hallelujah

Epiphany 2021

January 6, 2021 was Epiphany in the Christian Church around the globe, and in the USA. It’s the day celebrated for centuries, if not millennia, as the day gentiles, Magi from the East, first saw Jesus, knowing and acknowledging Him to be God, the Messiah, the promised King of Kings — an epiphany.

I thought it ironic and telling, a synchronicity of sorts, that it was also the appointed day for the next king or president of the United States to be declared by law after the votes were counted and confirmed valid by Congress. Votes were cast in record numbers despite the pandemic with it’s confusing uncertainty. According to the US Census Bureau, seventeen million more votes were cast than in the 2016 election. 73% of the eligible population was registered to vote, and 67% did vote. It was a highly contested and emotionally charged election, with the media doing its part to portray the choices. The choices in candidates were not all that different according to many, yet the many were polarized and galvanized. The choices in platforms could not have been more clear, different, or stark.

I don’t think it too strong to say if you voted conservatively you voted for the platform that more closely resembled God’s Word and God’s rule in the affairs of man. If you voted liberally you voted for secular humanism, man being his own god and making his own rules, trusting government to take care of the people, and ignoring or rebuffing God’s law and rule.

During and after the large turnout of voters, there were accusations of election fraud in several places, many of them key states in determining the outcome of the election. The evidence was handled in predictable ways by the media and by politicians. But IF there was sufficient evidence of fraud and IF politicians had the back bone to stand up, investigate, and say so, legally the election results could have yet been altered by law to favor a platform more conforming to God’s Word and not opposing God’s Word. That did not happen. So perhaps that was not the case? Or maybe it was? At any rate, the people, and their leaders, stated their preferences loudly and clearly by votes and action, or inaction. Let the record show, and let the people know, their choice was clear. It has been shouted from the roof tops by the media, who apparently couldn’t be more pleased with the result.

I believe while many were celebrating Epiphany quietly, worshipfully, acknowledging and giving thanks to God for Jesus the Savior and soon-coming King; that the USA was having their own epiphany. It was an epiphany of rejecting this King and acknowledging another. It seems as if God was saying, ” I want to make it clear to you what you are asking for, so you will know it was by your choice My judgement begins.”

And so it was. And so it will be.

I felt then what many are feeling and saying now, that the USA has gone over a waterfall of sorts, into a cascading decline and sequence of events that will look like judgment, or God removing His favor or turning away His face from the USA due to our apostasy and unfaithfulness to Him, or what the prophets called “whoring after idols.”

Once I saw this was the peoples decision in the matter, and that God was going to let it go this way, I had a deep peace about it. Oh there was sadness for the church who by and large helped it happen, and for my country and the world who has long looked up to her. I knew the darkness would increase and the blessings we have known would decrease and be given to others and taken away by dark foreign powers, according to the will and word of the Lord — the just rewards for sin, rebellion, and injustice.

But I also know God to be full of mercy and grace. I saw in times of gross sin, rebellion, and apostasy in ancient Israel and Judah, the prophets who saw it coming simply prayed to God, “In wrath remember mercy,” knowing that a spanking or discipling was needed and necessary for the people to wake up and have the opportunity to change their hearts and their ways. These prophets, like the Israeli Priest Eli, on a day when he received some very bad news about the Lord’s judgment coming on his family for sin and neglect of duty, but knowing the goodness of God, His justice, and His mercy, said, “Let the LORD do what seems good to Him.” [1 Samuel 3:18]

I also saw the LORD saying through His servants the prophets during these dark times that He would take note of those who feared Him, protect them, and care for them. This He would do even as He was chastising those who were doing wrong and in open rebellion to Him and His ways. Malachi would write, “But for those who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will arise with healing in its wings.” [4:2] Zechariah would write about God’s own, “I will be a wall of fire around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.” [2:5]

This judgment or correction will be painful to watch. In fact I feel the Lord has impressed me not to watch it that much but instead dwell on the good things in life, the gifts of God, experience Him more and more intimately, and watch for His grace to be on the move, letting it and desiring it to move through me. He says in His Word, “Where sin abounds, grace much more abounds.” [Romans 5:20]

That’s my tact and world view given the situation and circumstances. I believe it to be Biblical and what the Spirit is saying to the churches, and therefore worthy of your consideration. Godspeed on your journey! Stay awake. Stay in the battle. Rest in Him. His shalom to you and yours.

Christmas 2020

Isaiah the Prophet’s Perspective. Jerusalem . 700 BC

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Micah the Prophet’s Perspective . Moresheth, Judah . 700 BC

“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

            Too little to be among the clans of Judah,

            From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.” Micah 5:2

Joseph’s Perspective . Nazareth, Israel . January 3 BC

“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’” Matthew 1:20-21

Shepherds Perspective . Near Bethlehem, Judah . September 3 BC

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:10-11

“The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.”

Luke 2:20  

Mary’s Perspective . Bethlehem, Judah . September 3 BC

“And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.”

Luke 2:18-19

Simon’s Perspective . Jerusalem, Israel . September 3 BC

“And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed— and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:34-35

Magi Perspective . Jerusalem . December 2 BC

“Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him…

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy…

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2: 2,10-11

Your Perspective . In Your Home . 2020

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Two Scepters

We often hear the phrase, “from Genesis to Revelation” to express the broad sweep of men’s experience on earth and God’s plan for the same.

In Genesis we read:

“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” Genesis 49:10

In revelation we read:

“A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; and she was with child; … And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a scepter of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne.” Revelation 12:1-5

This story seems to swirl about a King, righteous and true. And his subjects, who have loved his appearing.

I was inspired to write a poem a few years ago at Christmastime that I read every year reflecting on this King and his story, in worship. It is titled, “Twice a King.”

While worshiping again this year with wide eyes and an open heart, watching “The Star of Bethlehem,” I saw something completely new, like I many times do.

The Scepter

The two scepters in Genesis and Revelation are really one, and belong to the same King. His story is written in the Bible, on countless hearts, and in the stars.

The King of the universe, visits a virgin, who has His Son. His Son becomes the ruling, loving, righteous, rightful, and everlasting King of all mankind. There is lots of romance involved, and an evil opponent, as His beautiful story plays out upon the earth over time. It’s a story that fills the pages of our literature, our history, our very lives. And, it and it is written in the stars.

It’s the same story known to the magi, perhaps through the prophet Daniel, and to the prophet John, who recorded it in the Apocalypse of Jesus Christ.

I hope you can take time to watch Rick Larson explain it in detail this Christmas season. You will experience awe, the wonder and joy of Christmas, and a blessing.

The King of heaven symbolized by Regulus the King star, moves toward earth symbolized by Jupiter the king planet, to a conjunction with Venus the queen planet and through the constellation Virgo, the virgin, to give birth to a redeemer prince, a Son, the King of heaven and earth, the everlasting One.

Ponder the majesty and magnitude of one who would write the story on earth and in the heavens, for all to see, for all time.

Bethlehem and the Cross

This “celestial poem” as Larson calls it, is one of “terrible beauty” that gives one pause, and makes one shutter.

I pray He who wrote it in history, and in the stars, will write it on your heart this year if He hasn’t already done so. That’s my Christmas prayer.

Bethlehem and the cross were both necessary to the story and are shown by a clockwork star — from the moment God flung the universe into existence. He knew what he was going to do and marked it in the clockwork, faithful heavens for all who have eyes to see.

Hidden from most, but real, and present.

I pray the beautiful music, artistry, storytelling, and cinematography, of this video will help you see the mystery and truth of this story.

This is my time. This is your time. These are our times.

We know so much. Yet we know so little.

Humble yourself. Look at the stars, especially the Star of Bethlehem.

Then say with the ancient wisemen,

“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:2

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“And I will grant wonders in the sky above
And signs on the earth below,
…
Before the great and glorious day of the Lord shall come.
And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Acts 2:19-22

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light;
Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:2,6

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

“He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.
And he will be our peace.” Micah 5:2,4-5

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).” Matthew 1:23

The Star of Bethlehem 2020

The winter solstice just passed a few days ago, December 21, the shortest day of the year. On that day there also appeared in the sky a planetary conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. There was a lot of hubbub about it because it’s so rare, occurring about once every 800 years. There were lots of articles in newspapers, magazines, and the visual media hailing it as the Star of Bethlehem.

I personally don’t believe it was the star of Bethlehem. Rather the Bethlehem star was a conjunction of Jupiter and Venus which appeared in December, 2 BC, over Jerusalem as viewed from the East, modern day Iraq or Iran, ancient Persia, making it the brightest star anyone alive had ever seen.

There is something in the human psyche that both loves and loathes mystery. We want to know all we can, and yet we are attracted to the unknown. We like to puzzle things out for ourselves and we like to learn from what others have puzzled out.

Signs in the Sky and Wise Men from the East

I think that Rick Larson got it right in his 2015 DVD titled “The Star of Bethlehem.” He is an attorney, and after reading the biblical account in Matthew chapter 2 came up with nine clues about the star as evidence to what it might have been. That’s what lawyers do. Then he purchased some astronomy software that allows one to view the actual sky and stars on any given date and time from any point on earth. What he discovered is what makes this presentation so riveting.

He contends that in September, 3 BC the king planet Jupiter made three close passes or conjunctions with the king star Regulus, in the constellation of Leo the lion. Many theorize along with Larson that this rare astronomical event, or sign in the sky, may have been anticipated and handed down to the magi from the chief of the magi, Daniel the Hebrew prophet, when he served the kings of Babylon and Persia who in their time ruled the whole known world.

And that the magi made preparation at that time, then followed the king planet Jupiter nine months later as it arrived at it’s conjunction with Venus, and that would lead them to the location of the most famous King who would ever be born, the King of the Jews.

On December 25, 2 BC, the star (Jupiter) was over Bethlehem, 5 miles south as viewed from Jerusalem, and appeared stopped (in retrograde.)

The magi followed it, along with new information from the Hebrew Scriptures provided by Herod’s scribes that Bethlehem was the place of the Messiah’s birth. They went to worship the King, who was a toddler by that time, then returned secretly to their home country, with great joy!

The conjunction a few days ago was unusual because of its rarity, but it wasn’t that bright, and even with the naked eye one could see a little space between the two planets.

What did the wisemen see in the stars that sent them on their journey? It appears that it was the king planet coming very close to the king star, three times in rapid succession, in the constellation of the lion. The lion is the animal representation of the tribe of Judah in Israel. A prophecy that Daniel and the Magi would have known is that the Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah. (Genisis 49:10) And following that, Jupiter coming in conjunction with Venus, stacked to make them appear as one, very-bright star.

I wonder what the sky looked like to them when they started their 700 mile trek, full of anticipation, awe, and intrigue?

Beautiful mystery!

“After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” Matthew 2:9-10

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To watch the best YouTube video of “The Star of Bethlehem” click here, and the information for ordering the DVD with better resolution and bonus material is listed below it. Enjoy!