The Daily Guide. grow. pray. study. The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, United States for Monday, 13 June 2016 - “Where is the newborn king?”
Daily Scripture: Matthew 2:1-6
Reflection Questions:This “Christmas story” can teach us helpful lessons any time of year. One lesson is that the foreign (probably Persian) wise men didn’t swagger into Jerusalem announcing that they had come to share their superior wisdom. They asked a question, and they made the reason for their question clear. They didn’t say, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We have come to make a treaty with him,” or “We have some demands for him.” They said, “We have come to honor him.”

• In a heart-breaking irony, the Hebrew experts knew the answer to the magi’s question. Yet they showed no interest in the life-changing question itself. Why do you think none of them seem to have said, “King of the Jews? Wow—could we go with you to honor him?” What opportunities might you miss by being too sure of the answers, and not sufficiently interested in the implications of the question?
• When the wise men arrived, King Herod reacted with deadly hatred (which he cleverly hid), and Israel’s religious leaders showed a total lack of interest. When the same sun shines on ice and clay, one melts while the other hardens into a brick. When the light of Jesus shines in your life, how do you tend to react—“no way,” “so what?” or “I want to honor him”?

Today’s Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you came into our world as an infant, and you still refuse to force yourself into any heart. Teach me how to keep my heart open and always welcoming to your presence in my life. Amen.
-------Insights from Roberta Lyle

Roberta Lyle has been on the Resurrection staff since 2006. She serves as the Program Director for Local Impact Ministries, concentrating on Education, Life Skills and Youth Focused Ministries.
I have read or heard Matthew’s scripture about the magi’s visit to Jesus during many holiday seasons. Reading it out of the context of the entire Christmas story makes me pause and consider some aspects I’ve never noticed before.
As today’s reading points out, while the magi set out on their journey with a final goal in mind, they did not receive a detailed map or GPS coordinates pinpointing their destination. Yet they gathered their gifts and set out on a journey that many might have thought foolish and ill advised. They felt so strongly that the only proper response to the signs they witnessed would be to find and worship the new king that it overcame any hesitation they may have had. I wonder if they sensed the encounter would be dramatic and life changing.
Actively seeking and honoring God can cause us to be pulled out of our comfort zones and may take precious time away from our busy and full lives. Still, sometimes we find ourselves responding to an undeniable nudge and saying “yes” to a new serving opportunity. I witnessed this last weekend during a respite event provided by A Child’s Hope Ministry for foster and adoptive families. 27 volunteers and a gentle dog named Rob spent a good part of their Saturday caring for 54 kids at our church so that parents could do routine things like go grocery shopping without little helpers or enjoy a meal while it was still hot. Many of us take things like that for granted, but they can become challenges when caring for children with significant emotional or health issues. While the parents were very appreciative for the time away, I know that those of us who hung out with these new little friends came away thanking God for the dedication of their parents and for the grace poured into our lives by our interactions that day.
When we are asked to give of ourselves it isn’t always easy. We don’t know what the outcome might be. But I believe I honor God when I serve, and I always walk away knowing my faith has been made stronger and my life is richer for the experience.

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The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue

Leawood, Kansas 66224, United States

913.897.0120
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