The second chapter of the gospel of Matthew starts with wise men who had traveled many miles in search for “the newborn King of the Jews”. The account we have tells us that these wise men and their entourage arrived in Jerusalem and begin asking “Where is this newborn king of the Jews?” They must have been stunned after traveling for hundreds of miles and the weeks if not months it took and then no one could tell them anything about this incredible event that had taken place. Word of these seekers makes its way to the despot, King Herod, who also has no clue as to what this is all about. He summons the religious leaders in Jerusalem to the palace and asks them where the Messiah is to be born. That seemed to be an easy one for them…of course it would be right down the road a bit in Bethlehem according to what the prophet wrote. These travelers from far away in an eastern land must have been dumbfounded that only they have the knowledge that Jesus has been born and then find out that it is just 5 miles away from Jerusalem itself. King Herod invites the travelers to the palace and tells them where to find the new king…and they go with Herod’s promise that he too will want to go and worship him…later. The wisemen go, find Jesus and Mary and Joseph, and bring their precious gifts and bowed down and worshiped him. What a difference…the people who directly received the promise and the location of the birth of Jesus, never seemed interested in making that 5-mile trip to Bethlehem. And Herod will actually commit a mass murder of children to try to eliminate the Christ of Christmas. But people who came to believe that he was indeed the Messiah promised so long ago risked the long and dangerous trip and brought treasures to lay before him and to bow in worship. What a difference. And it is a template for all of humanity. There will be those who will actively travel, worship and sacrifice because they believe who this Jesus of the Bible really is. And then there will be those who just can’t find the time to come to their Bethlehem and stand with others to worship. And then there are those who just seek to erase this King from the lives and memories of the people of the earth starting with themselves. On this side of Christmas, we need to ask, “Which one am I?” The enemy, the disinterested or the lovers of this one who is born King at his birth? If you need help
choosing…. go with the wise men. That’s the smart choice and the only one that brings about life and forgiveness and purpose for living and hope for the future. Come and worship the king. Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Matthew 2:4-6 NLT He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” (5) “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: (6) ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”
Remember I’m praying for you…
PJ
choosing…. go with the wise men. That’s the smart choice and the only one that brings about life and forgiveness and purpose for living and hope for the future. Come and worship the king. Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Matthew 2:4-6 NLT He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” (5) “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: (6) ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”
Remember I’m praying for you…
PJ