It is apropos that Bronx Bethany began its new church theme (Pursuing Holiness... Promoting Healing) on Epiphany.
In liturgical churches, Epiphany is often an homage to the Magi, persons engaged in the study of wisdom as it is declared in astronomy (see Psalm 19:1-3). Scripture informs us that these wise souls, upon seeing a particular star appear in the East, traveled a great distance to celebrate and honor the One who was born king of the Jews.
Twenty-first century believers, for the most part, are not engaged in the process of a twelve- or twenty-month journey to worship Jesus. In fact, some of us dare to complain about traveling two hours or even two miles to meet with God's people. But for others, the time spent in traveling is well worth the joy of corporate worship with fellow saints.
The journey that Bronx Bethany has been invited to undertake is not one of miles, but it is still a journey that allows us to emulate the way of the Magi: a journey of study and discovery through the word of God and prayer. It is a journey that will take time. It is a journey that will take courage and effort. And, yes, the subject is deep enough that it might easily engulf twelve months of study and leave us wanting for more.
In my first blog this week I mentioned that this year's theme is costly. For some of us, and pardon the pun, the price of being modern-day Magi might indeed be astronomical. We are pursuing holiness in the context of a culture that pursues hedonism. We are promoting healing in a culture that benefits from keeping people sick. Some of us are standing in opposition to the works of the devil, and he has a way of throwing fiery darts at the faithful. That is the price of obedience to God; a price well worth paying.
My prayer is that we will stand, shielded by faith and surrounded by faithful witnesses, ready to dive in to the depths of what it means to be holy and to live lives of holiness.
Let's go!
Yes, God, we will gladly take up Your offer. Christus, mansionem benedicat. Bless Your flock at Bronx Bethany, for the glory of Your name.
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