Matthew 2

Posted on Jan 3, 2017 in Bible (NT) in a Year |

Tuesday

The story of the Magi. Men of great wisdom and learning. Have you ever wondered who are the “wisemen” in your life that you look to for answers?

Herod was looking for answers, but I think he was not asking the right questions. Well, actually he was asking the right question but for the wrong reason. He wanted to know where Jesus was born, but not so he could worship Him, he wanted to destroy Him.
Today’s reading also has more prophecy being fulfilled as Matthew continues to quote the Old Testament. But I wonder, why was everyone disturbed (upset) at the news that Wisemen from the East had come to worship the new King of the Jews?

Could it be that when the King (Herod) ain’t happy, nobody’s happy? Did Herod storm around shouting about someone trying to steal his crown from him? Was he jealous, envious? Scared? All I know is that he has to be one of the most vilest of people mentioned in the Bible. How could he have so many children slain because of his desire to be ruler? But you will see, that Matthew also notes that this is another prophecy fulfilled. (Jeremiah 31:15).

So in order to avoid this brutal slaying, Joseph is warned in a dream to take his family to Egypt. From the very start, Jesus is being watched over and attended to, but how difficult it must have been for Joseph to pull up stakes and go to a foreign land. Do you wonder if Joseph ever wished he hadn’t been chosen for this role? I don’t know about you, but I’m glad he took care of his family and raised Jesus as his own. Joseph has a great lesson for us to learn about faith and obedience.

Have you ever been given a task or a role to perform that seemed so difficult that you wonder why God chose this for you? I know I’ve felt that way many times since becoming a pastor. I have been stretched to do so many things outside of my comfort zone, but yet each time, I am so blessed by the results. It gives me strength for the next adventure.

Shalom

Pastor Kathy