“Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.” (Matthew 2:7-8 KJV).
Looking through these verses on the broad New Testament message of salvation, through a grace-centered lens, reveals key insights to reflect on. We are made aware that Herod calls the wise men secretly to find out the exact time the star appeared. He directs them to Bethlehem, asking them to send back words once they find the child so that he can "come and worship him also". His intent, though, was to destroy the child Jesus.
Herod represents the world's system, manipulation, and hostility against God's anointed. But, evil cannot thwart God's plan. When the enemy tries to attack or manipulate a situation, God is already three steps ahead, providing escape, wisdom, and provision. We are assured of God’s protection in Christ Jesus versus human malice and trickery.
When the Magi arrived asking, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?", this shakes king Herod with fear, deeply. He is paranoid of losing his position of power. But, the focal point of the entire passage is not Herod's paranoia or deception, but pointing lost and searching people directly to our Lord Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of grace, life, peace and everything we need in this realm. That's who the magi were and we, as well, who now have found the Lord and rest in His grace. We sought the Lord! And it is the hope for these reflections to draw others who have been held captive by the world like Herod, and those deceived by religion. Come seek the Lord our King through His Words. We are created by Him and for Him. Scriptures affirm and declare: “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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