We would not like this "excursion" to end on a negative or pessimistic note, for as Christians we should all be optimists concerned for the coming of the "Kingdom of God" upon this earth because "God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son to the end that all that believe in Him should not perish but have eternal life" and that that life should be full, free and abundant. .... a gift of His love.
"Christ is the Morning Star
Who when the night of this World is past
Brings to His Saints
The promise of the light of Life
And opens everlasting day"
Baeda in Apocalypsim
"The Bright Morning Star" is the Lode Star that attracts and leads by day, and the Pole Star is the Lode Star that guides by night the navigator and all who seek their way in the dark. ("Lode Stone" is the magnetic stone that has the power to attract.) We still refer to these stars and use them as of old.
There is great joy in seeking and finding, and often, especially in good company, finding greater joy in travelling hopefully than in arriving! "What do we seek?" we often ask. Jesus often asked the question, for He cared.
If you have followed the text of "Wisdom & Prophecy", (hopefully evaluating the Jewish and Christian insights and knowledge), we assume that you have understood the joy and sense of security that followers of these faiths have gained from the practice of their religions and their hopes for the future.
Discipline in Godly living is the essential factor and sure path in following God's way on our pilgrimage through life. For the ancient and modern day Jew and Christian, the Bible is the Word of the Lord and provides all the answers to the question, "Why do wise men still seek Jesus?"
Although the Halakha of the Jews is binding on those who accept and honour its strictures and regulations, it must be borne in mind and stressed that, like Christians and peoples of other faiths, we find that God has also granted us the freedom to live according to our own chosen predilections. Through prophecy particularly, we learn God's ways and will for us and His judgement on our behaviour. He does not coerce or condemn us, but through His servants, the Prophets forewarns us of what may be the consequences of our obedience or disobedience, pleading with us to follow the paths of peace and joy in His service.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said:
"The first commandment is this:
'Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is the only Lord.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
With all your soul, with all your mind
And with all your strength.'The second is this
'Love your neighbour as yourself.'
There is no other commandment greater than these. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
The way to "Life Eternal" God has shown us in His Son, Jesus Christ.
"The reverence of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"
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