Epiphany 2018 – The Two Ways Revealed…

More and more it seems to me how the OT’s presentation of “The Two Ways” throughout its Wisdom Literature” runs as a sub-theme throughout the gospels.  We saw a bit of “The Path of Folly vs. The Path of Wisdom” demonstrated earlier in the difference between the reactions of Herod and the Magi.  Here is another manifestation of that difference under the skillful hand of Matthew.

The Two Ways: Falling down prostrate before divinity is the path of wisdom.  Asking to be worshiped shows the path of folly.

To kneel down, collapse; perish; prostrate; fall on one’s face = pipto

Matthew 2:11            On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 4:8f             Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”

Matthew 17:5f             While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear.

Isaiah 59:10f             We grope like the blind along a wall, groping like those who have no eyes; we stumble at noon as in the twilight, among the vigorous as though we were dead. 11 We all growl like bears; like doves we moan mournfully. We wait for justice, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far from us.

Ezekiel 44:4             Then he brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple; and I looked, and lo! the glory of the Lord filled the temple of the Lord; and I fell upon my face.

And…

The Two Ways: Earthly treasures seem to signify all the “stuff” we keep inside that supports our schemes for security and sovereignty, based upon fear and need.  So, selling these possessions and giving to the poor, the path of wisdom, creates a spacious place to receive everything heavenly from God.  The Magi gave everything from their treasure.

Treasure, treasure chest, treasury = thesauros

Matthew 2:11              On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 6:19–21               “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 12:34f              You brood of vipers! How can you speak good things, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure.

Matthew 19:19–22               Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

Wisdom of Solomon 7:13f              I learned without guile and I impart without grudging; I do not hide her wealth, 14 for it is an unfailing treasure for mortals; those who get it obtain friendship with God, commended for the gifts that come from instruction.

Isaiah 45:1–3              Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him and strip kings of their robes, to open doors before him— and the gates shall not be closed:  I will go before you and level the mountains, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron,  I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name.

Finally, it also seems to me that it helps us little to rely on our intentions of choosing the path of wisdom.  My starting point today is this: I’m on the path of folly.  I continually choose my own way over God’s way.  Lord, melt my frozen heart to be able to be taught by you.