The wise men were just nine miles off the mark of finding the location of the birth of Jesus. Their astrological knowledge led them to Jerusalem, where they naturally thought the “king” would be born. However, when learning Herod had know knowledge of a new king, the wise men consulted Scripture, which led them to the humble town of Bethlehem.

The wise men demonstrate an important lesson. It’s not enough to follow your human talents to seek out God. You need Scripture as well. Likewise, it’s not enough to only rely on the Bible. You need to be aware of the world around us, and utilize our God-given talents to change the world into God’s image.

There are many “religious” people in society who bury their nose in the Bible, while ignoring the suffering of those around them. They ignore and even criticize the work of scientists, doctors and journalists. Those people are not fulfilling God’s word, and are only fulfilling their self-righteous conception of Christianity. Jesus called out this hypocrisy, and we too, should be careful not to become self-righteous.

A Christian should have a Bible in one hand, and a newspaper in the other, and use both to do God’s work on Earth.

“Missed by Nine Miles”
Sermon by The Rev. Joe Gunby
Matthew 2: 1-12
Jan. 7, 2018 • 2nd Sunday After Christmas

Listen to The Word in Song, “Jesus, What A Wonderful Child.”