“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” (Matthew 2:6 ESV)
At the unexpected arrival of the wise men, King Herod and all of Jerusalem was “troubled.” Imagine the confusion, fear, paranoia, and anger that must have gripped this tyrants heart and because of this, the people. Herod didn’t know much but he knew enough to assemble those who did. As Herod called the “chief priest and scribes” to him, the Scripture clearly shows him inquiring about God’s Christ and where He was to be born.
Quoting from Micah 5:2, the chief priest and scribes quickly proclaimed what the Scriptures clearly revealed. Although these foreigners arrived with their caravan asking about the One born “King of the Jews,” no one seemed to grasp the incredible moment that had unfolded. Although the king was asking the religious leaders concerning one of God’s greatest promises, it doesn’t seem like the religious elite had any idea that God’s promises throughout the ages had finally been fulfilled. As the text reveals, Herod himself only believed enough to try and thwart the eternal plan of God.
Stop for a moment and take this Biblical thought in: Nothing and no one will stand in the way of God’s promises. One of the incredible Biblical attributes of God is His omniscience (God is all knowing). This truth means that God effortlessly but breathtakingly weaves together history to accomplish His incredible plan and nothing can stop or prevent its fulfillment. Sadly, many are aware of His promises but live as if they may or may not come to pass. Spoiler alert: All God’s promises will be fulfilled.
After consulting Israel’s chief priest and scribes and obtaining the information he sought, Herod then consulted with the powerful visitors to inquire about when the star that had triggered their journey appeared. From the onset Herod was not interested in God’s Christ, the plan of God, or the culmination of all God’s promises. Herod was interested in destroying the promised Messiah so he could hold onto power. Sadly, many are far more concerned with their own lives, their own plans, and their own kingdom than they are about God’s.
Finally, Herod prepared to send the wise men on their way to Bethlehem. He tried to deceive these men into first finding God’s Christ and then returning to him to give him the location of the child and his family. Herod pretended like this intentions and heart were aligned with these wise men. Let this be a reminder that not everyone who claims to worship Christ does. Their are a variety of reasons why imitators, fakes, and phonies pretend, and sadly some are just deceived. Never let us stop pursuing a heart that worships Christ from a place of genuine affection and love.
Stop for a moment and consider the silence of the Scripture concerning a key point. It does not appear that one of the chief priest or scribes departed Jerusalem that day with the wise men. The men who were most educated and steeped in the Scriptures, the very ones who effortlessly quoted Micah’s prophecy, not a one of them joined the wise men that day. The Bible doesn’t reveal why the wise men departed Jerusalem alone that day, but I think it was a shadow of the coming rejection of Jesus. The very ones who should have sought Him didn’t. Let us humble ourselves this Christmas season as we prayerfully and carefully ask God to continue to help our hearts be sensitive to His work, His will, His Word, and His Spirit.
Tucked within the promise of Micah 5:2, we are reminded of the character of God’s Christ. His Messiah, the anointed One, the promised King would “shepherd” God’s people. Let this be a reminder for us this Christmas that in Christ, Jesus knows us, protects us, provides for us, cares for us, guides us, and even laid down His life for us. I believe that the Israel of God is not only an ethnic collection of people, but those who have responded to God saving faith. If you are a born again believer, rejoice! You belong to the family of Abraham and the true Israel of God. Ponder this thought today: Christ the Redeemer is your Shepherd. Today, may we listen for and respond to His beautiful voice.
Heavenly Father, thank You for who You are. Lord, You are infinite, we are finite. You are all knowing, all powerful, and present everywhere. We confess we are dust but we are eternally thankful that You are mindful of us. Jesus, help us begin to wrap our minds around who You are, what You have done, and keep us sensitive to Your work, Your will, Your Word, and Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
