Synopsis of the Armenian Message

Matt. 2:1-12

The Star Is Not Enough

Technology Will Take You to Jerusalem

We all are enjoying the wonders of technology. Do you even remember life prior to having a telephone at home? How about without a washing machine, photocopying facilities, cars or planes?

In the last years, the Internet has affected our lives greatly. We use it for almost anything! Global Positioning System has found its way into our own cars.

I sometimes think that it is so interesting that here in the Bay Area we live amongst those who create technological innovations for the whole world.

More than 2000 years ago some wise men, possibly scientists, were interested in the stars. They were astronomers not astrologists. They were the wise men of the East, perhaps from Persia, India, Babylon or Mesopotamia. In those days, they were expecting a king to be born, the king of the Jews (vs.2). This was all they knew about the birth.

1-They reached Jerusalem using their human wisdom. Technology took them to Jerusalem but not to Bethlehem. It was quite natural that they would go to Jerusalem, the capital. They headed straight to the palace. Where else would they find a king? They inquired about the king to someone who doesn’t know about the event. Herod referred to the religious authorities, and then when he found out that the Christ was going to be born in Bethlehem, he lost his peace.

Such a great political leader as Herod himself is absolutely troubled when he hears about a newly born king! Herod thinks he is the only authority. He is threatened by a little baby. It reminds us when new babies often create some “threat” in the lives of their sisters and brothers.

Herod wanted to get rid of baby Jesus. So many people today want to kill Jesus as well. People want to distort the truth and humiliate him (The Da Vinci Code).

Herod used his authority in a wrong way. In 2002 UNICEF announced that 100 million children would die in the next 10 years. They needed $2.5 billion to save them. The world didn’t respond to this need. Actually, more than $2.5 billion is spent yearly for arms. What a shame.

To be continued in English.