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Bethlehem, ~20 centuries back.
A cry that broke the laugh of the enemy forever, was heard that night. One who created the mountains is now under a cattle culinary, adjusting in a couple pounds of flesh.
Following Star, Wise from the east came, "Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." -Matthew 2:2
But there is an earthly king, not so happy about Christ's birth.
"When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him." -Matthew 2:3
We see two kinds of kings here, one is Jesus Christ who's receiving worship, and the other is Herod, receiving trouble. Let us spare a moment to emphasize this context.
Wise People Around Jesus:
- They Waited on the Lord
- They Searched him on the day
- They Worshipped him
➤ Waiting On The Lord:
Every night, looking into the sky, wise would have waited, no so easy, for the day, not too early. “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” - Isaiah 40:31
The star appeared, and wise received Christ on the earth. Someday, the trumpet sounds, and if we are like the wise, Christ receives us in the sky.
So we are expected to watch and wait every single day.
"Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." -Matthew 25:13
➤ Searching The Christ:
His soul is thirsty for the Lord, and the wise want Jesus most, so they have put some effort into finding him. For it is written, "seek and you will find;" - Matthew 7:7-8
➤ Worshipping The Lord Jesus:
"They fell down", shows the physical humbleness one should have when seeking Christ.
In luke 18, Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
And the lord justified this humble prayer over Pharisee's prayer who exalted himself.
Humbleness is an important prerequisite in seeking God. And then we worship him.
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." - John 4:24
In the end, they presented gifts; gold; etc, expressing thanks for his mighty plans. What we can give for the love he had shown to us? No finite creation can meet the infinite creator, but a giving heart would.
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Jerusalem People Around Herod:
God's plan troubles everyone who wants to excel and prosper in worldly things. Slaughtering the kids, Herod would feel heroic, and his people too. But what they are left with? trouble. God never troubles us.
Many of God's people, even today, will seek help from worldly influential people. Word says the trouble is where they land in the end. Of course, World leaders look like promising victors, but in time they have to obey God.
Now, they were under the control of Satan who plays a drama of deception.
Remember the word that Jesus said unto us, "The servant is not greater than his lord. " - John 15;20
If Herod had worshipped Jesus obeying him as master, the story would be different. But he wants power and domination.
Final Words:
Who is your King? Jesus or Herod? For a moment leave your choice over faith. Be wise and worship Christ. You will be saved from eternal death.
Things look victorious when you seek Herod, but you have to realize, Christ had won in the end and Herod got his eternal fire on.
God doesn't want to dominate us, he wants to save us. That's it.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16
Wait, search, and worship. Let God take care of the rest. Always remember no flesh or spirit can stop his plans for you.
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