Rooted in the Word
Bearing Fruit in the Spirit
Toledo Foursquare Church
Monthly Letter
We have seen His star
This title is a partial quote from Matthew 2:2, “Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” This verse came to my mind the other day while looking at a map and thinking about the use of a compass. I began to think about the difference between “True North” and “Magnetic North”. Following one while looking for the other can get you seriously lost in the wilderness. True North is represented on most maps by a gold star and it represents a direct line to the North Pole. True North is constant and unchanging.
The Magi or “Wise Men” of the nativity story are of interest. They were priest of a particular caste of religion from Persia which worshiped the Uncreated Creator. They traced their history back to Daniel who we well know worshiped the Uncreated Creator. The Magi saw some indication in the cosmos that told them the Messiah had been born. They had seen His star in the East and followed that star. The interesting part of this story is that at some point they went to King Herod instead of following the star. We can see by reading the text in Matthew 2 that this was not a necessary step to their finding Jesus. They followed the star from the East to Israel, went to the palace, and asked about the birth of Christ. Herod had his people do some research and they said the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem of Judea. With that the Magi were sent on their way with instructions to contact Herod and let him know where Jesus was. Then in verse 9 of Matthew 2 we find this, “When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.” The star they saw went before them and stood over Jesus. They only needed to follow the star to find Jesus. In fact, following their own sense of wisdom to stop by the palace led to problems. Herod found out about the birth from them and, when they didn’t go back and tell him about Jesus, Herod committed an act of genocide against all of the baby boys in that age bracket. Their desire was to worship Christ not to get involved in Herod’s plot. Most Christians ultimately desire to worship Christ. Our best course of action is to follow True North. The Gospel of Jesus Christ always points to Him, and He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
Well, just as True North is unchanging, Magnetic North is ever-changing. In fact, as of 2009 it is estimated by Geological Survey of Canada to be moving towards Russia at a rate of 34 to 37 miles annually. This ever-changing guideline creates a need for regular updating of maps based on Magnetic North. If I am attempting to navigate towards True North but follow Magnetic North, I could miss my target by miles or meters depending on my starting point. A lot of people might think that missing your target by 100 meters would be acceptable navigation. Well, I suppose that depends on where you find yourself. I have been in jungles that missing by 100 meters would mean that you are still very lost and in danger. Even here in the Coastal Range Mountains of Oregon 100 meters is far enough for you to stay lost. It is not unheard of for hikers to get off the trail to answer the call of nature and get lost in the underbrush and not find their way back. If you find yourself navigating to an ever-changing standard it could be just as trying.
Well, this is the 21st century so we have a solution to all our problems through the use of technology. Global Positioning System (GPS), it will solve all my problems. Of course a GPS is great and all it needs is batteries, a clear satellite signal, and nothing that can interfere with it or throw it off. Well, my purpose is not to discuss navigational aids but simply to illustrate there is no replacement for a clear understanding of True North.
Let’s think of it this way for a moment. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is True North; just as He is it is, unchanging and dependable, unaffected by moving magnetic poles or technology, just there, real, and faithful. Contemporary Christianity, however, is more like magnetic north. Just as Magnetic North has moved and changed over the ages so has Christianity. Christianity always seems to adjust itself to its contemporary environment. What it was in the 14th century, the 19th century even the 20th century is not what it is in the 21st century. The values, ideals, and mores of Christianity historically have been relative to the populous of the culture. I am not per se trying to suggest that all is not well but ultimately following Magnetic North can lead you away from True North much in the same way following the current stream of Christianity could possibly lead you off course from Christ Himself. It is not His desire for you to be lost; so, I think He in His limitless and evident mercy, is sending out homing beacons wanting to get the church’s attention.
I think if you are lost in the wilderness a compass is a wonderful thing to have along, second only to a cell phone and a good signal. In most cases following Magnetic North will get you close enough to a landmark to save your life. That is good. I think in most cases contemporary Christianity does the same but not in every case. Following Magnetic North will take you in the general direction of the North Pole. In the same way following Christianity and its slowly evolving directional change may point you in the right general direction. But, just like following Magnetic North if True North is your destination, it may not get you there. I confess I don’t have any practical experience in the frozen tundra of the North. I do know that you would not want to be lost out there for long. I have spent some time working outside in sub-zero temperatures, and I do know that missing your warm home by 100 meters in a white out blizzard could be deadly.
When I was younger, in my limited wisdom, I gambled with my life more than I should have. I am no longer fond of that approach to life. I am more careful and prepared than I ever have been. I think life is precious and shouldn’t be gambled with. I think my soul is even more precious and eternal life is nothing to take chances with. I don’t like reality television programs where people die or are injured because they were careless. I know too many people whose lives were ruined because of that kind of carelessness. Why take chances on your eternity to feel better now? I am an idealist; I know it and I don’t mind. I think we need to follow closely the directions of scripture as, spiritually speaking, I know they point True North. They have already proven the test of time, there is no reason to think they won’t continue to do so. Anyone who navigates the wilderness of the Northern Hemisphere a lot still understands the importance of being able to find the North Star. Mankind has been navigating this earth using that tried and proven system for thousands of years and with all of our technology it is still essential knowledge.
Well, as the saying goes, “Wise men still seek Him.” But in doing so don’t go to the palace of the ungodly king and ask for directions; follow His star, the Word of God.
Your friend,
Charles
Copyright 2007 Toledo Foursquare Church, Toledo, Oregon