Matthew 2:1-3 (NIV)
2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during
the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and
asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his
star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all
Jerusalem with him.
Only four days remain in the Christmas season. So during
these final days we turn our attention to the wise men who followed the star
and came to worship the Christ Child.
Hundreds of years before Jesus' birth we encounter wise men or magi in the Old Testament book of Daniel. They were royal advisers who interpreted dreams, and studied astrology and magic. These wise men came from the east, most likely Persia, Babylon or Arabia. Because of their interest in astrology they noticed the star that God set in the heavens to announce the birth of His Son.
They followed that star westward until they reached Jerusalem and the palace of King Herod the Great. In his younger years, Herod had done great things for the Jews and proven himself to be a capable ruler. But in his older years he had grown paranoid. He even had many family members and close associates killed for fear they were plotting to assassinate him.
That is the reason Herod meets the good news of the Savior's birth with jealousy, fear and troubled thoughts. His anxiety quickly spreads to his subjects who fear how he will respond to this new threat to his power.
Many of us hesitate to embrace Jesus as Savior because we fear relinquishing our lives to His kingship. But Jesus offers us great joy, peace and love for this life-as well as the life to come.
Hundreds of years before Jesus' birth we encounter wise men or magi in the Old Testament book of Daniel. They were royal advisers who interpreted dreams, and studied astrology and magic. These wise men came from the east, most likely Persia, Babylon or Arabia. Because of their interest in astrology they noticed the star that God set in the heavens to announce the birth of His Son.
They followed that star westward until they reached Jerusalem and the palace of King Herod the Great. In his younger years, Herod had done great things for the Jews and proven himself to be a capable ruler. But in his older years he had grown paranoid. He even had many family members and close associates killed for fear they were plotting to assassinate him.
That is the reason Herod meets the good news of the Savior's birth with jealousy, fear and troubled thoughts. His anxiety quickly spreads to his subjects who fear how he will respond to this new threat to his power.
Many of us hesitate to embrace Jesus as Savior because we fear relinquishing our lives to His kingship. But Jesus offers us great joy, peace and love for this life-as well as the life to come.
Thought for today: Can I recognize my barriers and hesitancy to
fully commit to a life of service?
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