Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him." King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, "Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?" "In Bethlehem in Judea," they said …Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, "Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” Matthew 2:1-5, 7-8
News of the wise men’s search stirred up great distress for Herod and the religious leaders in Jerusalem. Under the pretense of wanting to go and worship the newborn, Herod set a private meeting with the wise men to ascertain details about the star’s appearance. But he had an ulterior motive. Herod’s desire was to find the child and destroy him. What was it about this baby that caused such distress to Herod and the priests and teachers of religious law in Jerusalem? Why had they not been looking forward to the promised Messiah? Why subterfuge instead of celebration?
Very simply, Jesus was upsetting their status quo. They liked things just the way they were – and they didn’t want a Messiah messing up their agenda or threatening their positions of power. Yet, there is no agenda or power greater than God’s. Matthew 2:12 tells us that after the wise men left Jesus, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. God’s plans will survive victoriously; He cannot be thwarted no matter how hard men try.
Do we dare ignore God’s plans for our times? Do we dare challenge them or suppose that any political, cultural, or personal agenda is more important than God’s? How much pain and suffering has been caused by our refusal to accept God’s good plans for mankind? Herod’s refusal to let go of his own agenda caused the death of countless children (See Matthew 2:16-18). God tells His people; “Today I have given you the choice of death or life; curse or blessing.” (See Deuteronomy 30:19) Let us in our time choose life! Let us choose the blessing of the Savior!
Father, You have set before us a choice: to choose our own agendas which will one day fade and die, or to choose Your way which leads to life and peace and eternity. Help us to choose You. Amen
News of the wise men’s search stirred up great distress for Herod and the religious leaders in Jerusalem. Under the pretense of wanting to go and worship the newborn, Herod set a private meeting with the wise men to ascertain details about the star’s appearance. But he had an ulterior motive. Herod’s desire was to find the child and destroy him. What was it about this baby that caused such distress to Herod and the priests and teachers of religious law in Jerusalem? Why had they not been looking forward to the promised Messiah? Why subterfuge instead of celebration?
Very simply, Jesus was upsetting their status quo. They liked things just the way they were – and they didn’t want a Messiah messing up their agenda or threatening their positions of power. Yet, there is no agenda or power greater than God’s. Matthew 2:12 tells us that after the wise men left Jesus, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. God’s plans will survive victoriously; He cannot be thwarted no matter how hard men try.
Do we dare ignore God’s plans for our times? Do we dare challenge them or suppose that any political, cultural, or personal agenda is more important than God’s? How much pain and suffering has been caused by our refusal to accept God’s good plans for mankind? Herod’s refusal to let go of his own agenda caused the death of countless children (See Matthew 2:16-18). God tells His people; “Today I have given you the choice of death or life; curse or blessing.” (See Deuteronomy 30:19) Let us in our time choose life! Let us choose the blessing of the Savior!
Father, You have set before us a choice: to choose our own agendas which will one day fade and die, or to choose Your way which leads to life and peace and eternity. Help us to choose You. Amen
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