Think on these Things [antikvár]

JANUARY 1THE NEW YEARA great door and effectual is opened tinto me, and there are many adversaries. 1 Cor. 16:9.The statement in 1 Corinthians 16:9 occurs toward the end of Paul's first letter to the church at Corinth. He is writing from Ephesus, near the close of his long ministry in that city. He had been successful in Ephesus, but this very success had made bitter enemies.Acts 19 tells of one of the adversaries who had confronted Paul at Ephesus. The apostle's teaching against idol worship had hurt the business of the silversmiths. A representative of their guild, Demetrius by name, stirred up a riot so violent that "the whole city was filled with confusion" (verse 29). This incident was apparently only a sample of the problems Paul met in Ephesus, for in recalling those days he said, "For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life" (2 Cor. 1:8).But despite the problems, Paul did not lose sight of the opportunities. "A great opportunity has opened for effective work," he said, "and there is much opposition" (N.E.B.).How appropriate for the beginning of a new year! The fumre holds great opportunities. Advances in communication and transportation have shrunk the globe until messages encircle it in moments, and men in hours. Diseases that once terrorized whole populations have been conquered. Knowledge has increased in every field. Rewarding careers are beckoning millions of youth.But, as Paul said, "there are many adversaries." War, famine, hate, fear, have not been overcome. Cities are increasingly restless and dangerous. God is forgotten in the quest for material things.The apostle might have said fearfully, "But there are many adversaries." Instead he exclaimed, "And there are many adversaries." We may look upon the new year as a threat; or, like Paul, we may consider it a challenge. Which shall it be? Whether 1970 is a happy and successful year depends to a great extent on our attitude toward the crises that lurk among its days, weeks, and months.JANUARY 2WORSHIPFUL SEEKERS AFTER TRUTHWben Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Matt. 2:1, 2.Christmas cards often picture three camels and three robed philosophers of the East. In the hands of these men are their precious gifts gold, frankincense, and myrrh.The Magi speak to us of searchers for truth throughout the world. Scattered everywhere are honest men and women who are sensitive to spiritual values, and who see stars in their skies that others do not see. These people may come from varied backgrounds and may adhere to diiferent creeds; but their minds reach out beyond the ordinary experiences of daily living to the meaning of life. Divine providence often leads such people to Christ, because they are willing to be led. The Magi traveled far in their search for Christ. Their concern was not merely casual; they were willing to invest something in their quest for the One "that is born King of the Jews."The Magi also teach us the lesson of a worshipful attitude. When they approached Herod regarding Jesus, they said that they had come to worship Him. When they reached the manger they presented their gifts as expressions of homage. Their motive in seeking the newborn King was not curiosity, personal gain, intellectual satisfaction, or adventure. They came to worship. They may not have sensed the full meaning of His birth, but they were ready to bow their knees before Him. The wise men of today would discover more at the end of their quest if they sought wisdom that they might worship.The search for truth and the will to worshipare not these two of the primary ingredients in the meaningful life.? These two factors complement each other. When men search for truth without recognizing God, they limit their outreach. When men try to worship without searching for truth their worship can become sentimental and superficial. The world is looking for worshipful seekers after truth.