Day 7
Reading Matthew 2: 7-18
v.12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
In Matthew chapter 2, continues with the account of the events during the birth of Baby Jesus.
Then Herod, when he had secretly called the [b]wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” V.7-8
At that time Israel was occupied by Rome and as mentioned in the previous passage, King Herod was the appointed governor or ruler in Israel by the Roman government. Herod had heard about the prophecy of the coming Messiah or Deliverer of Israel. And Herod was insecure and afraid to lose his power and authority. When he heard about the wise men who came from the East, he made plans to meet with them. Herod wanted to know more details about the coming of the Messiah. He made plans to stop the coming of a new power. He felt threatened so he told the wise men,
“When you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also”.
The wise men told Herod about the words of prophecies about the coming of the Messiah, the One who was to Rule Israel as their King forever. Herod did not want that. So, he misled or deceived the wise men and told them, that he want to worship Him too.
The wise men continued their journey following the star they had seen in the East. They rejoiced when they found Baby Jesus, His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph. They worshiped the baby Jesus as they brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. V.9-12 They rejoiced gladly that their eyes had seen the fulfillment of the word of the Lord spoken by the old prophets.
v.12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
The Lord God guided the three wise men, because they were truly seeking the Messiah. For many years, the wise men from the East have heard of the coming of Messiah, the Deliverer of the Earth. They had studied the ancient Scriptures and the words of God through the prophets, like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others. The wise men believed in their hearts for the fulfillment of those Words spoken and written by the men and prophets of God. The wise men carefully watched for the signs in the heaven, such as the moon and the stars. I guess God knew their hearts, so the Lord guided them throughout their journey and waiting.
Only God can know the hearts of men. King Herod spoke nice words to the wise men about finding Jesus. King Herod told the wise men he wanted to worship Jesus too. And it seemed the wise men took Herod’s words. The wise men did not know the evil plan of Herod. But God knew, so God guided the wise men and spoke to them in their dreams.
Reflection: As we trust our Lord Jesus, God will guide us as we seek Him with all our hearts.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for Your Words and the assurance that You are always guiding me and taking care of me as I seek You in my life with all my heart.
Your Thoughts:
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The Creels' Catch 