The Great Escape

By Mary Vee
Matthew 2

From Luke's Notes

Photo Courtesy

My name is Joseph, my wife is Mary. I would have never expected the guests who visited us today to come to our home. 

Several men who, by their clothing and language, traveled from the east. They said they'd seen a star in the night sky. One that, through their studies led them to understand a king had been born. The star led them to our home.

They wanted to see Jesus. They had gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The conversation amazed me. These men did not worship God. 

An angel hadn't spoken to them like one who visited me in a dream or like the one who visited the shepherds telling them to come see Jesus. All these men knew they'd figured out from writings, the night sky, and their conversations.

I went outside with them. They showed me the stars and the one bright one over our home. They told me how they'd come to their conclusion that Jesus was the one born to be king of the Jews."

After they left, Mary and I talked about their visit for a while. She then put Jesus down to sleep. 

During the night, I had a dream. An angel spoke to me. He sounded concerned. He said, "Hurry, get up now. Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."

I awoke instantly. Wide awake as if I'd slept all night. I woke Mary. "We have to leave."

She climbed out from her blankets. "What's wrong?"

"An angel spoke to me in my dream. He said we need to leave right away. Herod is searching for the child and wants to kill him. Hurry. We are to go to Egypt."

We packed only what we'd need and left the house. 

She didn't look back, or try to leave messages. We didn't tell anyone what we were doing. The child didn't make a sound while we walked in the city. We simply left in the dark of the night with Jesus asleep in her arms and travelled to Egypt.

The journey was not difficult. No one chased after us. We found a wonderful home to live in and made our lives in Egypt, planning to stay as long as God wanted us to and knowing He would let us know when we should go back home.

Come back for the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

Jonathan Goforth-The Scary Journey

By Mary Vee
Year: December 1900

Jonathan Goforth-41 years old

Jonathan Goforth's Journal

My name is Jonathan Goforth. My wife, Rosalind and I are missionaries in China. 

We built a home in Changte. Several of our children have been born here and two have died due to illness. We made our ministry in this city, teaching locals about Jesus. Gaining their trust. Living among them and speaking their language.

We ate the same foods, grew gardens, and dressed like the people. So many men and women came to us with their question, wanting to know more about Jesus. A few even worked with us.

Maybe the next events came because everything had gone well. Maybe we needed to have a new task. I don't know.

The Boxer Rebellion was a time in China when Chinese people grouped together to rid the country of foreigners. Some of those in the rebellion were simply evil people who wanted an excuse to kill people. Many missionaries, businessmen, and travelers lost their lives.

The rebellion was nearing Changte. We could stay, knowing we would die, or we could go to another place. This time, though, in my prayers and medications I felt God strongly telling me to get my family out of Changte and let the Chinese Christians continue the work.

My six month old baby sat on Rosalind's lap. My three-year-old daughter cried. We'd woken her. Tiredness, and sensing something wasn't right brought her sobs. My son, Paul worked hard to help us pack. He understood the urgent need to leave right away. He didn't complain. What a strong young man.

Nine other missionaries joined us. Their things packed in the carts. The two Chinese who had been helping us teach men and women about Jesus chose to come, also.

Some of our team stood strong, but held back tears. Others wept. We may never be able to return to this city we love.

I looked at the compound and thought of all the people who had heard God's word. I looked over at the room that had been my study and thought of the Chinese students who were intrigued with the heavens and learned about God. I looked at our home and the tree where my two daughters were buried.

I took a deep breath, understanding God had a new chapter for our lives. I commanded the oxen to move forward and waved goodbye to our Chinese friends who stayed behind.

The oxen left the city pulling the belongings of the compound on the narrow roads before us. We climbed mountains and crossed plains. 

Danger lurked all around us. Thieves. Murderers. Those wanting to kill any foreigner they saw. Had I been alone, I wouldn't have been so afraid. But my family was here, my children, my wife, the food we need to survive, the other missionaries and their families. 

My heart pounded and my head ached. I trusted God to guide and protect us. I truly did. But I am also a frail human with limitations. I hear and see the evil men and am afraid what might happen to my family and the others who travel with us.



Even though this time has passed would you pray for us and other missionaries? This will be a very scary journey.


Jonathan has many stories to share. Come back each Monday to find out what happened next.



Resources Used for This Series
Being, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Jonathan Goforth: An Open Door in China. Seattle. WA: YWAM Pub., 2001.Print
Doyle, G. Wright. Builders of the Chinese Church: Pioneer Protestant Missionaries and Chinese Church Leaders. Eugene Oregon: Pickwick Pub, 2015. Print.
Goforth, Jonathan, and Rosaline Goforth, Miracle Lives of China, London" Marshall, Morgan & Scott, 1931, Print.
Goforth, Jonathan. "By My Spirit" Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1942. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Climbing; Memories of a Missionary's Wife. Chicago: Moody Pub, n.d. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How I Know God Answers Prayers; The Personal Testimony of One Life-time, New York: Harper & Brothers, 1921. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Jonathan Goforth. Minneapolis, MN: Bethan House, 1986. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How God Answers Prayer: The Mighty Miracles of God from the Mission Field of Jonathan Goforth. USA: Revival, 2016. Print Original copyright not stated.
Jackson, Dave, and Neta Jackson. Mask of the Wolf Boy: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1999. Print.
McCleary, Walter. An Hour with Jonathan Goforth: A Biography. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1938. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Jonathan Goforth: Never Give up. Seattle, WA: YWAM, 2004. Print.

.

Let Jonathan hear from you!

Leave a comment below.

The Search for A Special King

By Mary Vee
Matthew 2

From Luke's Notes

Photo Courtesy

My name in Herod. I am king in Jerusalem. The story I am about to tell you stirs my anger.

I woke to a nice day. The sun had been shining and there weren't any major issues to attend. A servant came to my chambers and announced visitors who were not from this area. They had requested to speak with me. I was curious so I invited them to my chambers.

The servant led the men in. They wore different clothes that we did, their manners were different, and they spoke a different language. I approved them to enter and offered them a place to sit. "Bring our guests something to drink." I ordered my servant.

The men sat. Dust and sand coated their clothes. They must have traveled a long ways. "So, tell me what brings you here."

"We are learned men who have studied the stars. We have discovered that a new king has been born and have come from the east to worship him."

A new king? What were these men talking about. And how is it that they learned this information by looking at the stars? I didn't understand any of it. "I will ask my advisors and find an answer for you. Please go with my servants. They will make you comfortable."

Once the men left, I called for my advisors. This baby king must be found and killed. But, I must be crafty about it to learn the details. The advisors assembled in the room. I told them about the visitors and their question.

At first the advisors were uncertain. They spoke among themselves and asked each other questions. 

"Sire," the eldest said. "This baby king was born in Bethlehem of Judea. It is written by the prophet: And you Bethlehem, land of Judah are in no wise least among the princes of Judah. For out of you will come forth a governor which shall be shepherd of my people Israel."

Really? I am to be replaced? I don't think so. I sent the advisors away and called for the wisemen to return. "I have an answer for you. My advisors tell me that such a baby has been born in Bethlehem. Go there."

The men stood. But I couldn't let them leave until I learned the details. "Wait. When you find this king, come back and tell me where he is so I may go and worship him also."

The wisemen bowed and left.

I will find this king. And I will have him killed. 

I will not be replaced that easily.


Come back for the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

The Compass Star

By Mary Vee
Matthew 2

From Luke's Notes

Photo Courtesy

I and at least two of my colleagues set out on a journey. It was a journey of curiosity. 

We saw a star when studying the night sky. It was brighter than any other and it was new. We talked about the strange occurrence and decided there had to be some meaning behind it.

As men who enjoy studying and thinking we considered what the meaning might be. We all came to the conclusion that a new king had been born. Not just any king. This king deserved the greatest of honors.

We assumed the star not only told us about the new king but also where he was born. We packed for a long journey, not knowing where we would end or how long we would be gone. Included with our supplies were gifts for this special king. So we set out across plains, mountains, rivers, dessert, following the star as it led us westward. 

We arrived in Judea, unsure where to go next. To gather information, we went to the capital city of Jerusalem to speak with wise men from there. We asked to speak with their king, Herod. He agreed to meet with us.

He sat in his chambers and invited us to join him. He ordered his servants to bring drink. "So tell me, why have you come?"

"We are from the eastern regions. There we saw a new star in the sky. Our studies lead us to believe a new king has been born. We followed the star this far and are not sure where to go next. Perhaps you or your wisemen know? We are anxious to get back to our journey to find the King of the Jews."

"If you would give me some time to consult with my advisors, I'm sure we can find an answer for you." He called his servant. "Take these men to the court and make them comfortable."

The servant bowed.

We waited at least a day. From the whisperings in the court, news of the reason for our visit spread to all the people in the city quickly.

The king finally invited us back to his chambers. His advisors were in the room with him. "Come, sit with me. I believe we have the answer you seek."

We sat and waited for the information. "What time did this star appear?"

I answered, "Shortly before we left our homes in the east."

"Yes. That matches with what we have discovered. I have spoken with my advisors. They say you should go to Bethlehem to find the king you seek."

"Thank you. We appreciate your help." We bowed and stood to leave.

"But wait," the king stood. "Once you have found the king, stop back and tell me where you found him. I would like to go and worship him."

We bowed again. Once we reached the road, the star appeared again, leading us toward Bethlehem, like Herod said. It wasn't a long journey. We arrived before nightfall. We followed the star searching for the right home. When the star stopped, we looked at each other.

"This is the place!!" I'm sure the other wise men were as happy as I was. We sprang off our animals and laughed. We have found him! We announced ourselves at that home and asked to see the young child. We were led to a room where the child sat with his mother. She told us her name was Mary and the child's name, Jesus.

We were overcome with understanding that this child would be a king who would make a big difference in the world. We bowed before him and worshipped the child. After a time we brought out the gifts for him and presented them to him. We brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

I would not have given up that journey for anything in the world. Inside I was leaping. That night I barely slept. Neither did the others. We all had the same dream. An angel spoke to us saying we should return home a different way and not stop by to visit Herod, nor tell him about the baby.

And so we did. We left early that morning and went a different direction, avoiding Herod and his army.

When we returned home, we told our families and everyone we knew about the child named Jesus who would be King of the Jews.


Come back for the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org