WEDNESDAY: A GRAND ENTRANCE

Dec 21, 2022
2 min read

Matthew 2:1-6

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 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.”

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

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

When God announces the birth of His Son on earth, He does it big. A star in the sky which was brighter and more glorious than the others shone over His creation and announced His Son was about to be born. God then commissioned Magi, or kingmakers, to go and visit the new Messiah and bring Him offerings. King Herod was curious to know more about the Messiah and the prophecies surrounding His birth.

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS

The Magi had been waiting to see the prophecy of the Messiah fulfilled. God moved in their hearts to bring them from the East, directing them to cross hundreds of miles to reach their destination. Who else had been waiting for the Messiah? Surely not Herod. He didn’t want anyone to complete for His crown. What about the people in Bethlehem? What a thrill is must have been to think that God’s Son would be born in their hometown!

The Messiah has come. He blessed people with His presence and then submitted to the cross. He rose again into Heaven, and He promised to come again. When He comes again, it won’t be as a baby. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 states, For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God.” What a glorious time that will be!

God, thank You for the blessing of Your Holy Son coming to earth to save me from my sin. May Jesus reign in my heart forever. Amen.

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman