The Phil Files

In my Heartlight.org post this week, “Star Bright,” I talk about the Magi (or Wise Men) who come from the east and worship Jesus. They undertook a long and difficulty journey to honor the newborn King of an enemy nation. They did this at great personal cost and risk. Yet these astrologers — astrology was a practice prohibited in both the Old and New Testaments for being associated with witchcraft — found their way to the manger where Jesus was born so they could worship Him. Meanwhile, Herod used the prophecies about the Messiah’s birth in the Old Testament to determine where the Messiah would be born so he could kill the child, Jesus. Herod saw this child as a rival to his control and sought to kill him, just as he did with two of his own boys who he feared would threaten his rule.

This story is a reminder of how easily we can use Scripture for ungodly means if we lose sight of it’s purpose and the basis of which we interpret it. A few questions seem in order to help us avoid misusing Scripture:

How can we get so far off base in our religious practice that we would reach the point of killing Him because He challenged us in areas where we were comfortable and didn’t want to be disturbed?

How do I use Scripture?

Am I using it to seek after God?

Am I reading Scripture to know God and not just know about God?

Am I listening to Scripture to obey it and honor God, or simply to justify what I do?

The key point is to remember that the center of Scripture and the key to understanding Scripture is a hunger and faith for Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15; cf. John 1:1-18; Hebrews 1:1-3).

So how do we keep Jesus at the center of our lives?

How do use Scripture as a Holy blessing, but not worship Scripture and lose sight of the character and compassion of Jesus?

Sometimes, Jesus, I really miss you. I guess I should be able to say that more often … or maybe should never have to say it. Either way, no matter what the “should’s” say, there’s no real future in trying to pretend: some days, I just miss you.

I have to confess, it’s been a crazy couple of weeks with all sorts of medical craziness in our family. Thankfully it’s all gone well. But, I’ve gotten busy doing ministry, studying for others, taking care of family, doing the hospital deal, and I’ve just not heard your voice. Maybe it’s because I’ve let my daily Bible reading get pushed out and quit listening — and of course, I’m supposed to be reading in the Gospel of Mark which is all about you. Maybe it’s because I haven’t been listening very well. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen you show up and help people and make a difference in their lives. Maybe it’s because life is just that way some times — kinda like when you are around someone all the time, but still miss them because you just don’t quite get to connect.

Anyway, I just wanted you to know I’ve missed you this week and that I’m listening for you.

To help me unstop my ears, I read that story about you and Mary Magdalene at the tomb (John 20:11-16 ERV). She called you “Lord” even though she thought you were dead. Then You, Jesus, called her by name, and she knew it was You who were calling her name. “Rabboni!” she cried out. To me, it’s one of the most powerful moments in your whole story.

When I miss you, Jesus, I like to read that story. I hope and trust that when you call my name, I will know it’s Your voice.

Anyway, just wanted you to know.