Matthew 2:3

New King James Version

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

For Encouragement

The redemption flight has arrived. God has rolled out what He put in place to redeem His people even before Eden. The seed of the woman to crush the serpent’s head, of whom all the prophets foretold, is born in Bethlehem (Gen 3:15). He comes in the fullness of time (Gal 4:4).

For four hundred years, God had stopped speaking to Israel. When people did not hear from God, He established the infrastructure to receive baby Jesus and the Gospel Agenda for the entire world. The shepherds received the announcement first (Lk 2:8-14), then the Magi of the Gentile world (Matt 2:1-2). The Savior is born, so Israel and the world must rejoice, right? Yes, but No!

The Jewish chief priests and teachers of the law showed little interest and were dismissive. If they were interested, they would have been the first people to run to Bethlehem.

Herod, the imposter king, got disturbed. He knew enough to perceive the end of his reign, so he initiated a plan to eliminate Israel’s Messiah (Matt. 2:3). The Serpent, too, rolled out his plan to eradicate the seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15), now cradled in a manger in Bethlehem (Lk. 2:12).

What is surprising is why all Jerusalem was disturbed just as Herod was (Matt. 2:3). After all the waiting and anticipation for the Messiah?

Talk about the cosmic conflict. It was heightening, but who can thwart the plan of the Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, and Immutable God? The Eternal Word (Jn. 1:1), now manifest in the flesh as baby Jesus (Phil. 2:6-8) is born of the Virgin Mary to save His people. What force is beyond His power?

Can the kings of this world stop the Father’s Son? He who sits enthroned in heaven laughs and calls their bluff, counseling them to kiss His Son, or face His anger (Psa. 2:1-12).

How about the religious leaders of Israel? What can they do? What trap or cunning deceit can they deploy, which God does not know and can dismantle? Now, the Gospel Train is moving and will pick up at a dazzling speed none of them have ever known. May the brave dare stand in His way!

None of the principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, or the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places can do it (Eph 6:12). Neither can any stronghold, argument, and pretension that exalts itself against the knowledge of God prevail (2 cor. 10:4-5). So, what or who can stand in the way of the baby in the manager? Nothing in heaven, on earth, or under the earth can stop baby Jesus from growing sinless and launching His demolition and rescue mission into victory (Col 1:13-14). This is what assures us a place in glory. Hallelujah! Amen!

Do you realize the power in you—the power of the God who created the entire universe and raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at the right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come (Eph 1:19-21). Why, then, do you fear? What opposition confronts you now that your Savior hasn’t overcome for you? (Jn 16:33). Jesus loves you and will carry you through to victory every time (Rm 8:31-39) and will never abandon you in your crucible (Heb 13:5b-6).

So, as you celebrate Christmas, rejoice and share this Good News with your loved ones. 

Pray with Me

What a powerful God we serve, and what a mighty power to save us! Father, we thank you today for Jesus and your Holy Spirit, who helps us to overcome every opposition that confronts us. In Christ Jesus, our L