Scripture Reading
Matthew 2:1-6
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,though small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times." Micah 5:2
The prophet Micah prophesied the coming of the Messiah, from Bethlehem out of the land of Judah, seven centuries prior to Jesus' birth. Again scripture is fulfilled and Jesus' Davidic background is brought to our attention. The Jews, although blind to the servant king that the Messiah would be, were very well versed with the prophet Micah's words which said that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem from the lineage of David. King Herod, appointed by the Roman government to rule Judea, Galilee, and other territories, was distraught over this question the magi from the east asked, "Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?" To the reigning king, this must have been quite alarming. he asked the chief priests and teachers of the law what they knew about this king. The fulfillment of Micah's words shook Herod. He was a man known for his ruthlessness and vengeance. It is known that he murdered his wife, sons, and other family members. Out of his fear and anger he sought out this child the Magi claimed to be king and wanted him dead.
You can imagine how Herod must have felt. He was the king and all of a sudden your subjects, wise men from another place and the religious leaders are claiming that a new king is born. He was threatened and afraid that his rule as King of Judah would be ending. He most likely believed that this king would try to overthrow him and leave him with nothing. He did not know that this king was not a king of military might or government power. He was not seeking war or tyranny. He was a servant. One whose very voice sparked peace and hope. Jesus was not the king Herod was expecting. The Jews also did not expect a Messiah that would come into the world in such a lowly manner. They wanted to see Herod overthrown. They wanted a savior that would restore Israel with military might and glory.
As we know, Jesus was not at all what the world expected. But yet, God had a plan that exceeded the expectations of Jews and Gentiles. The Jews must have been disappointed that this messiah would wash the feet of others, eat meals with prostitutes and not even have a place to lay his head. How could a man like this save anybody? Herod and the people of Israel are not any different than we are today. We find it hard to believe that being a servant is the key to true peace and joy. It is our nature to want to choose the mighty warrior to save us, rather than the meek servant. The Israelites were focused on their earthly lives, the tangible. Wouldn't you say we struggle with this as well? However, Jesus came to restore what was far more important, our eternal lives. God knew exactly the kind of king that the Israelites needed. He knew that a political leader, military power, or a new government was only temporary. His plan for his people was to care for them eternally. The Jews questioned God's plan. Do you question God's plan for your life? Ever wonder why things are not working out at all the way you want or the way you have prayed for them to? Do you know that God has a plan? Often we, like the Jews, only see the present, but God has our entire life in mind. Yes, for us, he has a plan that far exceeds our expectations. All we have to do is trust.
Prayer: Father, help me to trust you with my life. Thank you for the plan you have for me. I know that it might not be what I imagine, but your will is what I want for my life. Give me the patience to wait and see how you will work your plan out in my life and give me peace for the answers I may never know while here on earth. Amen.
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