Scripture printed text: Matthew 2:7-15
Chapter two of the book of Matthew opens with the birth of Jesus and wise men coming from the East to Jerusalem in search of the new born king of the Jews. These men said they seen his star in the east and they have come to worship him. The wise men were believed to be astrologers and saw some unusual star that indicated to them that a new king of the Jews was born. When King Herod heard the news of the birth of the Messiah, he became troubled and all Jerusalem with him. So when Herod gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. Bethlehem, they said unto Herod, so he met privately with the wise men and ask them what time did the star appear? Herod sent the men on their search and when they had found the Messiah, to report back to him so he could go and worship him also.
The wise men departed and the star appeared unto them and stood over where the Christ child was. When they found him, they rejoice with exceeding great joy. And when they came into the house, they saw the child, bowed down and worshipped him and open up their treasures and presented him gifts suitable for a king. The men did not listen to Herod but obey the Lord’s warning in a dream and departed another way. God also warned Joseph about Herod’s plan to kill the child and instructed him to move his family to Egypt. Joseph followed the Lord’s instructions and remained in Egypt until he received word again from the Lord of Herod’s death.
Church, God works everything out according to His plans. He knows those who are true worshippers from the false ones. Matthew fulfills several prophecies concerning Jesus birth in Bethlehem, coming out of Egypt along with many more. Let us do as the wise men did and worship the new born King and open up our treasure and present Him gifts. True worshippers never come into God’s presence empty handed. What is your response to the Holy Light?