Matthew 2:1-3 – Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
Have you ever looked closely at this passage? Did you ever notice that the Apostle Matthew noted that all Jerusalem was troubled at the news of the birth of what the magi called “the King of the Jews”. If you think about it for a moment it will make sense, no one likes it when divine intervention rocks their boat, especially people that are comfortable or are in charge. The invasion of God on earth always causes a disturbance. How can I say that? Think about the trouble Azusa Street caused or that healing preacher Sister Aimee. Then there was the hubbub Martin Luther released and then there was Tyndale printing the New Testament in English. Whatever you do don’t rock the religious boats of the world, they just might kick back at you. Here is how Spurgeon describes this passage.
“Some, like Herod, are troubled because they fear that they shall lose position and honor if true religion makes progress, and many have an undefined dread that the presence of Jesus will deprive them of pleasure, or call them to make unwilling sacrifices. O thou who art the King of heaven, thou cost not trouble me: thou art my joy! See the influence of one man: Herod’s trouble infects “all Jerusalem. ” Well it might; for this cruel prince delighted in shedding blood, and the darkness of his brow meant death to many. Unhappy Jerusalem, to be troubled by the birth of the Savior! Unhappy people, to whom true godliness is a weariness!”
Our church has seen divine visitations followed by insurrection, rumors, and outright lies. I get a little concerned if there isn’t some kind of kickback going on somewhere, it makes me feel like I am a little too comfortable with this present generation. I guess I have to agree with good old Spurgeon, “O King of heaven, You do not trouble me, You are my joy”. So don’t get too worried if family or friends are troubled about your focus on Christ Himself this Christmas, after all He is why we celebrate Christmas.
This was a big part of the enticement I experienced, having only been part of a religious , man diluted, superficial, not supernatural connection with God. The personal connection without the dependance of “go between” like candles, statues and prayers to saints. Things of this nature that still have family and friends thinking “these” are God experiences, but in reality are but man made barriers to an ever present Jesus, not a far away, seldom approachable God.
Excellent reading. Thanks!
AMEN PASTOR OUR FAMILIES WILL NOT UNDERSTAND WHY WE WANT TO CELEBRATE JESUS. BECAUSE THEY STILL IN DARKNESS. THEY CAN’T SEE WHAT WE SEE . WE THE LIGHT IN THE WORLD. UNTIL JESUS DRAW THEM THEY WILL NOT UNDERSTAND. ALL WR CAN DO IS LOVE THEM AND PRAY ONE DAY THEY WILL COME TO THE LIGHT. THEN THEY WILL UNDERSTAND WHY WE PRAISE AND WORSHIP OUR LORD BECAUSE JESUS IS OUR SAVIOR!AMEN!🙏🙏🙏🙏👏🙌