Topical Bible: Joy: Holy: Wise Men

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Joy

In the biblical context, joy is a profound and abiding sense of happiness and contentment that is rooted in one's relationship with God. It is a fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22, and is often associated with the presence and blessings of God. Joy is not merely an emotional response to favorable circumstances but a deep-seated assurance and delight in God's sovereignty and goodness.

The Psalms frequently speak of joy in the presence of the Lord. Psalm 16:11 declares, "You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand." This joy is a result of knowing and experiencing God's presence and favor.

In the New Testament, joy is a hallmark of the Christian life. The Apostle Paul, writing from prison, exhorts believers to "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4). This command underscores the idea that joy is a choice and a discipline, rooted in the believer's relationship with Christ rather than external circumstances.

Holy

The concept of holiness in the Bible refers to being set apart for God's purposes and living in accordance with His will. Holiness is an attribute of God, and He calls His people to reflect His holiness in their lives. Leviticus 19:2 states, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’"

In the New Testament, holiness is closely linked with the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The Apostle Peter reiterates the call to holiness in 1 Peter 1:15-16 : "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

Holiness involves both a separation from sin and a dedication to God's service. It is a process of sanctification, whereby believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ. Hebrews 12:14 emphasizes the importance of holiness: "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."

Wise Men

The Wise Men, also known as the Magi, are figures in the Gospel of Matthew who visited Jesus after His birth. They are described as "wise men from the east" who came to Jerusalem seeking the "King of the Jews" (Matthew 2:1-2). Their journey was guided by a star, which they followed to Bethlehem.

The Wise Men are traditionally understood to be scholars or astrologers from Persia or Babylon, knowledgeable in astronomy and ancient prophecies. Their visit to Jesus is significant for several reasons. First, it fulfills Old Testament prophecies that Gentiles would come to worship the Messiah, as seen in Isaiah 60:3 : "Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn."

Upon finding Jesus, the Wise Men "bowed down and worshiped Him" and presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). These gifts are symbolic, representing Jesus' kingship, divinity, and future suffering. The Wise Men's worship and offerings highlight the recognition of Jesus' divine identity and mission, even by those outside the Jewish faith.

The account of the Wise Men also underscores the theme of divine guidance and revelation. God used a star to lead them to Christ, and later, He warned them in a dream not to return to Herod, prompting them to take a different route home (Matthew 2:12). This narrative illustrates God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 2:10
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Joy Born at Bethlehem
... Around this birth of joy was no sign of superstition: that ... out of place as a harlequin
in the holy of holies ... Be ye wise and believe in Jesus, and abhor all the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/joy born at bethlehem.htm

"We have Seen his Star"
... Entering the holy city, they repair to the temple ... Their questions call forth no
expressions of joy, but rather ... The wise men are not idolaters, and in the sight ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 6 we have seen.htm

Following the Star.
... Then the king sent for the wise men, for he had ... Then they rejoiced with exceeding
great joy, for they had ... found the lovely young mother and the Holy Child, and ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter ii following the star.htm

Jesus the Christ.
... words of Isaiah 12:3: "Therefore with joy shall ye ... was glorified that he could send
the Holy Spirit, and ... The wise men who came to Jerusalem seeking the young ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus the christ.htm

Of the Effects of those Prerogatives.
... and partly from the sight of all the holy angels, and ... womb for joy, how shall we
exult for joy, when he ... If the wise men rejoiced so greatly to find him a babe ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/4 of the effects of.htm

Letter Xlv (Circa AD 1140) to the Canons of Lyons, on the ...
... celebrating it each year with solemn and thankful joy. ... a festival be established
which is in no wise holy? ... superstition has taken hold upon wise men, and upon ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xlv circa a d 1140.htm

Of the Duties which we are to Perform after Receiving the Holy ...
... the most Holy will be holy with the holy; for if ... 6f his word and sacraments, be careful
with joy to carry ... For if the wise men rejoiced so much when they saw ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/iii of the duties which.htm

'Full of the Holy Ghost'
... to Christian people, is that they will be wise for the ... the disciples in our text
'were full of joy,' because 'they were full of the Holy Spirit,' and we ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/full of the holy ghost.htm

Life and Conduct of the Holy Women, Xanthippe, Polyxena, and ...
... and as possessed with an unexpected joy she said ... receiving the divine grace of holy
baptism, returned ... his servants, Call me quickly the wise men Barandus and ...
/.../unknown/the acts of xanthippe and polyxena/life and conduct of the.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... This was ever hid from the wise men of this world; insomuch that the ... which is within
us; even "righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." And ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 21 upon our lords.htm