Matthew 2:4-6 When he/King Herod had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
The Talking Book the Bible, speaks to anyone who reads and ruminates on it. At the dawn of Christmas, the Magi from the East appear in our Christmas plays and our cribs. The Magi were believed to be Persian Priests. If you ever wonder what brought the Magi to visit the Messiah – it was The Talking Book! Daniel was appointed as the chief over the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners of the Persian kingdom (Dan. 5:11). Bible scholars believe that the scrolls of the Daniel became part of the Babylonian-Persian library. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two week (Daniel 9:25a). The astrologers calculated the period of time when the Messiah will be born and embarked on a journey to meet the King of Kings. In this passage “weeks” means “seven units”. Hence the arrival of the Messiah was calculated as (7 x 7) + (62 x 7) = 49 + 434BC = 483 lunar years which fits the birth of Jesus exactly 483 years later. It was the Messianic prophecies that brought the Magi to Bethlehem to worship Jesus.
The Talking Book continued talking even to the pagans who were searching for the truth after the death of Prophet Daniel. King Herod called for the experts in the Book of Law to search the scriptures about the birth of another King as he was disturbed and envious. Well enough, the Talking Book became the map that guided them to the birthplace of Jesus the King.
The Talking Book will talk to anyone with questions, confusions or perturbations:
1. Qualm: The Talking Book is the answer to our qualm, doubt and apprehensions. ‘Come now, and let us debate your case,’ says the Lord (Isaiah 1:18a). We can take our queries and qualms to God in prayer and the King of Kings will patiently talk to us through the Talking Book.
2. Questions: The Talking Book is never outdated. It speaks to each generation according to their need of the hour. The scriptures are the answer to the questions of the skeptics, critics and cynics. The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, Therefore a curse consumes the earth (Isaiah 24:5a&6a).
3. Quest: The Talking Book leads us in our quest. We can never find our true worth, purpose and mission outside the Bible.
The Bible is the living audible talking book that talks to us even today.
Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Prayer: Dear Holy Spirit, help me to hear you clearly through your Talking Book that is energizing, invigorating and inspiring. Amen.
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