Where is He?

Good Morning! 

Matthew 2:1-6 English Standard Version (ESV)

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, ² saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” ³ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; ⁴ and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ⁵ They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

⁶ “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Today’s posting is about Herod who was inadvertently alerted by the Magi of the coming of the Christ child. Why did the coming of the Christ trouble Herod, the Great?  A little search of his history reveals a man who was extremely paranoid about the possibility of being overthrown and killed.  He even murdered some of his own relatives.  If we read on, we find that, when the Magi did not return, Herod had all male children two years old or younger murdered in an attempt to kill this “king of the Jews”. 

I am also befuddled by the lack of reaction by the chief priests and scribes.  Think about it … one of the most desired acts these religious leaders awaited was the coming of the Messiah (Christ).  But, when Herod inquires about where the Christ was to be born, it appears they did nothing more than just tell him where.  There is no indication that they did anything more.  REALLY!!!

One would think that a people who were waiting for the One who would set them free would have immediately gone to Bethlehem to find Him.  But it doesn’t appear that they did.  To me, it would seem almost an imperative to seek out the Christ.  I wonder … did their religion get in the way?  You see, “religion” focuses on self … not on a Savior.  A person relying upon religion looks at the sins he (or she) has done and weighs it against the “good” he (or she) has accomplished.  The thought is that if one can balance the scales, he (or she) can deserve heaven.  This is NOT how God works.  I can be the kindest, most generous, best person in all the world … and still be nothing more than an sinner in need of a Savior. 

The reaction … or lack of reaction … of the religious leadership leads me to take a look at my own motives.  Do I seek the Christ … or do I just acknowledge that He was born, crucified, and arose … and do nothing else?  In short, am I trusting in Him or in me? 

Well … I want to share a prayer request this morning.  A good friend asked me to pray for him and his handling of a child who is in need.  As a parent, it is always difficult to know if I am doing the right thing in how I handle issues arising with my children.  Both he and his child need your prayers … which I ask that you pray without knowing anything more than what I have just said. I believe in the power of prayer … especially from you.

Have a good weekend … and God bless each one of you.

Agape’

Mr. Jim

  

Prayer: Allow me, dear Father, to see in my own life where I seek out the Christ and His will in my life. In Jesus’ Name … Amen.

Scripture for today: Matthew 2:1-6