Monday, December 6th
Read Matthew 2:1-2
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod's kingship—a band of wise men arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, "Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We're on pilgrimage to worship him.”
This passage portrays the “wise men” coming to pay homage to the newborn King, Christ. These wise men, described by the prophets as Kings themselves (Isaiah 60:3), give us an amazing perspective of humble, devoted, worship.
- How well do you live each day with a heart of worship to Christ?
- Do you look for signs of His presence as you journey through each day?
- Ask God for grace to seek Him daily in humility and devotion, and to open the eyes of your understanding to see His presence.
Read Matthew 2:3-8
When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified—and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, "Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?" They told him, "Bethlehem, Judah territory. The prophet Micah wrote it plainly: It's you, Bethlehem, in Judah's land, o longer the least of the leaders. rom you will come the ruler ho will shepherd my people, Israel." Herod then arranged a secret meeting with the scholars from the East. Pretending to be as devout as they were, he got them to tell him exactly when the birth-announcement star appeared. Then he told them the prophecy about Bethlehem, and said, "Go find this child. Leave no stone unturned. As soon as you find him, send word and I'll join you at once in your worship."
Herod, described by historians as a murderous madman, elected “King of the Jews” by the Roman Senate, had conquered Israel, rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, and ruled Israel for 34 years. When the Wise Men announced their search for “the newborn King of the Jews”, Herod realized the threat to his Kingship.
- Who rules your life? You, societies’ influence, Christ?
- The Word of God is God (John 1:1), and the Word promises the Holy Spirit will teach and guide you. (John 14:26). As we love Him, we follow Him.
- Ask God to help you to allow His Word and the Holy Spirit to guide you.
Read Matthew 2:9-10
Instructed by the king, they set off. Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!
That the Kings, traveled so far, were so excited at finding Christ, promised by God through the prophets nearly 400 years earlier, is awe inspiring.
- How much of yourself do you give to Him?
- Is seeking Christ a Sunday happening, or a whole life matter?
- Ask God to give you a heart and life that is wholly dedicated to Him.
Read Matthew 2:11
They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their bundles and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh.
They were so overcome by Christ’s presence, they fell to their knees and worshiped him. What a display of Love.
It’s easy to love people that love us. How well do you love the unlovable, those who have hurt or offended you or committed wrong doing?
- “We love, because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) We struggle loving others as God loves, when we haven’t fully embraced or understood God’s love for us.
- Ask God to reveal to you the depth and breadth of His love for you.
Read Matthew 2:12
In a dream, they were warned not to report back to Herod. So they worked out another route, left the territory without being seen, and returned to their own country.
They didn’t underrate any area of their lives, even their dreams. They responded with faith, allowing God to guide them.
- Do you pay such close attention to God’s nudges in your life?
- God is both God of the Universe and the smallest details of our lives.
- Give Him the details of your life. Let His love guide you.
Please pray: God, You are merciful; You sent Your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation. We ask for grace to truly hear their words of warning and wash our hands of our sins, that we may celebrate aright the remembrance of the birth of Christ. We await, with joy, the second coming in glory of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. Christ lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment