Join us as we read the scriptures and a daily devotion written by Don Crisp. We pray these messages will bless us all at this time.
Matthew chapter 2 v 1-12:
Categories: Don’s Daily Devotions
Saturday December 26th. Read Matthew chapter 2 v 1-12:
After yesterday’s profound verses, we may feel we return to the more homely account of the visit of the Wise Men ( the Magi ) to the One revealed to them as the new-born “King of the Jews”. But we must not let seeming familiarity, and impressions of this event from Christmas cards and seasonal traditions ( and even some carols ) make us miss the truth of what is taking place. Note, these visitors are not ” kings”, but Magi, Wise men belonging to a known tradition of wisdom, probably from Persia, and not with any background in Jewish beliefs or OT Scripture. Yet God has revealed to them this birth of a king among the Jews ( in a sense greater than they can know ), remarkably through their own ( presumably pagan ) study of the stars. Who could have expected this? God’s ways are beyond our fathoming, but revealed to our faith!
They follow ” a star” – much speculation has been made about this, which needn’t worry us – it was God’s guidance to them is all we need to know! But they seem to take their eyes off the star when they come to Jerusalem, to follow their own thinking – always something to beware of, if it leads away from God’s Word. Where else would a King be born but in a palace, so they come to Herod, and unwittingly stir his jealousy and fear and anger, with later tragic consequences. ( v16.) They are however, directed by his advisers to Bethlehem, according to Micah’s prophecy., and now follow the star again, until it leads them to the child they seek – probably no longer a new-born baby, and not in the stable, but in a house ( v 11 ) They come in, and present their gifts, so familiar to all who know the Christmas story. Costly gifts, to one so humbly born, but they are sure He is the One they have been brought to, and unreservedly worship Him!
So, what does this mean? Surely that God has confirmed in a remarkable way that the Saviour has been given, not only for the Jews, but for those in and from all the world who find Him and trust Him, always by God’s grace alone!
As we end these Christmas devotions, let us say again ” Hallelujah, what a Saviour!”