December 17th
| The Nevins Family reads Matthew 2:1-6 | Stacia sings I Wonder as I Wander | Ben shares a meditation on God's refusal to be limited by us |
DAY 17
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem.
He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:
‘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.’” [Matthew 2:1-6]
MEDITATION
Matthew 2:2 is a fascinating verse. Here are men from a far off country making a journey of hundreds of miles because of a star. For some reason, guessed at but unknown to us, they knew about a star that would guide them to the newborn king of the Jews. Wait, there’s more. These men were not Israelites. Why did they come to worship Him? Again, we can guess but we don’t know.
More fascinating than these thoughts though, is the conclusion that seems to be demanded.
God isn’t limited by our understanding of Himself or our understanding of His Word to accomplish His purposes.
He sent angels to shepherds and a star to foreigners. Why?
Well, why not?
That thought leads me to another. There is no way to God the Father except by His Son Jesus Christ. That is firmly and unwaveringly established in the Bible. However, there is no limit to what methods God will use to draw people to His Son. It would be foolish and arrogant of us to assume that the way we found Jesus is the only way Jesus can be found.
PRAYER:
Father, thank you for reaching us personally. Thank you for reaching others the same way. Please keep us humble in our faith and our knowledge of You. Never allow our desires to understand you create in us any sense of pride that would scorn the mysterious and exciting ways You use to bring others to faith in Jesus.
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