Luke 2:10-11 “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
In this Christmas season, we find ourselves once again at a crossroad. The decision to follow Christ is not one easily made. The controversy surrounding the birth of the Messiah has continued for 2000 years and this conflict will not be resolved until every knee bows before Him.
How can stubborn and obstinate sinners be brought low before the King of kings?
Recognition of God’s authority is an issue that has brought with it significant trouble. The patterns displayed by the rebellious and the faithful have given us lessons as to how we should react to God’s awesome revelation.
Herod’s Trouble
At the time of Jesus’ birth, Herod who ruled over the land had received word of another King that was to be born to the jews. The account in Matthew gives a lead into the drama that was unfolding.
Matthew 2:1-2 “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
The wise men understood that a king was to be born by their ability to read the stars. The Lord had configured the constellations to align with Jesus’ birth and these men understood them correctly.
vs. 3-4 “When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. “And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
The thought of a King arising in the region brought concern to Herod. A king would be a threat to his rule and Herod’s lust for power would force him to do whatever he could to hold onto it.
When the scribes brought forth the prophecy of Micah, Herod understood the threat to be real.
Micah 5:2 “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf.”
Herod deceptively asked that the child be brought to him when found. The evil ruler would stop at nothing to end the threat.
The wise men decided to avoid Herod and left another way while an angel of the Lord warned Joseph to take his family and flee to Egypt. When Herod discovered his plans had been foiled, he acted exactly as his dark heart would lead him….treacherously!
Matthew 2:16-18 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying:
“A voice was heard in Ramah,
Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children,
Refusing to be comforted,
Because they are no more.”
The cries of anguish would have resonated throughout the city, women would have hid their children for fear while other families escaped in hopes to spare the child’s life.
Herod’s lust for power knew no obstacle. His concern wasn’t whether the King was legitimate, the Roman government was the world power, nor would he take into consideration his defiance against God’s foretold plan to shepherd His people…to Herod, he was his own god.
Where was the wisdom of Herod’s sages?
If he believed that a prophecy would be fulfilled written 700 years prior, how could he think he could thwart such a plan?
Herod proved to be the obstinate fool who believed he could change history and yet like many before and after him, their plans have all failed.
Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”
The Shepherd will be Exalted
Jesus’ birth was shrouded in a secret controversy, began in a stable, declared to lowly shepherds, apposed by a wicked ruler, and then His ministry was challenged throughout His life….and yet He prevailed!
Why God often works in the ways He does confounds me.
Why wouldn’t God just have the Messiah brought forth in great pageantry with all the royalty He deserved?
One thing I’ve learned… God doesn’t act like we think He should act. Jesus came in lowliness and humility and the Father lifted Him up.
We would do well to follow the Father’s example.
John 12:32 “And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”
If we want to follow the Shepherd, it’s good to remember the manner in which He came. When Jesus came, He came with an attitude of humility, we too would do well to follow His lead. If there is anything honorable or praiseworthy in life it will be lifted up in due time— until then we must remain faithful. The shroud of evil may still hang over the land, but believers know that God’s plans have always been accomplished and always will.
There will always be doubters, and yet the Lord continues to prove His promises each step of the way.
1 John 2:24-25 “Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.”
Until the Lord makes all things new there will be plenty of sorrow and yet God’s people have reason to rejoice; for now faithful servants are walking with the Lord throughout the earth and serving Him faithfully—remember that His purposes are good and will be fulfilled exactly as He has always planned.
U.T. 