Tuesday 19 June, 2018

2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Why was King Herod so disturbed? Was it because he feared this threat to his throne? This new Royal kid in town? Meanwhile these Wise men came from a distant land, just to find a baby boy. What sort of dream and vision did they have to compel them so strongly to visit Jerusalem?

This part of the nativity story reminds me that God disrupts the ways of this world with the in-breaking of his ways and the revealing of his Kingdom. If I am attached to the ways of this world I will respond as Herod did, with fear and eventually anger, opposing the ways of God. I can hold on to my sense of control and order that I think I have and become resentful to the moving of the Spirit.

Lord, help me be like the Magi who responded to your revelation with worship and obedience. Forsaking their own comfort they went on a journey to follow your way and find your King!

Written by Andrew Mellor