We Three Kings?

Our former work colleague turned poker pro "Nicname" usually plays cash games. But he entered a tournament this weekend at a Choctaw casino in Oklahoma. Here's what he recorded on Facebook....

That flush had to hurt. But the timing of this hand was fascinating - as some people celebrated "Three Kings Day" Saturday.

The event is supposed to commemorate when three kings appeared before the newborn baby Jesus with gifts. The problem is that the Bible doesn't really record it that way....

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea during the time of King Herod, Magic from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." - Matthew 2:1-2

Magi in the NIV translates as "wise men" in many other translations. Simply because they were wise does not mean they were kings. In fact, the Moffatt paraphrase calls them "magicians".

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.... - Matthew 2:11

Our NIV Study Bible comments in its notes on this verse: "Contrary to tradition, the Magi did not visit Jesus at the manger on the night of his birth as did the shepherds. They came some months later and visited him as a 'child' in his 'house.'"

...Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. - Matthew 2:11b

Many people presume if there were three gifts, there had to be three wise men. But quoting from the notes again: "...the Bible does not indicate the number of the Magi, and they were almost certainly not kings."

Yet putting all the man-made traditions aside, note what the Magi did. They worshiped Jesus - even though He was a child, perhaps less than one year old. King Herod talked about worshiping as well (verse 8), but instead considered Jesus a threat to his throne and ordered a maniacal murder spree (verse 16).

Three kings at a poker table sometimes get dethroned. One "newborn King" can make some people mad. Yet that "king of kings" (Revelation 19:16) still should be worshiped - and the day is coming when everyone will:

...That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. - Philippians 2:10

We strongly suggest you not get angry about this. Wise men worshiped. You can, too.

The Producers

We blog about poker. Other people "vlog" about it.

One of the newest players to post vlogs (video blogs) is someone we know well. Nicolas Wahl, who goes by "Nicname" on YouTube, worked with us at a TV station. We both produced newscasts. He left several months ago to pursue a poker career, and now grinds at cash game tables on a regular basis.

Wahl still is "producing", but in a different way. Not only is he making videos about his poker life, but he's making hundreds of dollars a day at the table. In fact, we ran into him at Kansas Star Casino once. But we went to the other side of the poker room, sticking to tournaments. Cash games are not our strong suit - and we don't to deprive Wahl of a living (especially at our expense).

Wahl has read our blog, so he knows what this is about. Yet what Wahl is doing is an example of why many preachers oppose gambling. We heard a radio message on this recently - with the minister pointing out gamblers who win take money from losers. He turned to this verse....

He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment. - Proverbs 12:11

Another verse in Proverbs is similar, but note the different ending:

He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. - Proverbs 28:19

The radio preacher talked primarily about Powerball and similar lottery games. But we can see how this can apply to a cash game. Not everyone who sits down at the table leaves with a profit; the format simply doesn't work that way.

(We've made a distinction here from the beginning between tournament poker and cash games. Tournaments have a set entry fee, like golf or tennis. Our current experiment is reminding us even that can be a losing venture.)

If you know what you're doing and you're making money playing poker, good for you. Be thankful to God for whatever blessings He gives. But if you're losing money - often - it may be time to end that habit and start a new one. It starts by asking God to cleanse you of your sins (perhaps including covetousness for money). The minister went on to quote this:

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. - John 8:36

....maybe even to play "free" poker.