September 26, 2021
Scripture: And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. Matthew 2:8, 12 ESV
Observation: In Matthew’s account of the birth of Jesus, here only we read about the gentile Magi (wise men) who traveled a great distance following the sign of a star to seek the king of the Jews. Understandably, they paused in their journey once reaching the capital city (Jerusalem) to inquire of this newborn king. Hearing the word of this, Herod asks his religious leaders where the Messiah was to be born. Knowing the prophecy of Micah (5:2), they inform him that the birthplace of Christ is David’s birthplace: Bethlehem. Herod summons the Magi and deceptively schemes to locate this perceived threat to his rule (verse 8). Not knowing his character, they assume Herod had good intentions, but the Lord warned them in a dream not to return to Herod but instead follow a different return route.
Takeaway: The “truth will out.” We need not be concerned whether another is deceptively dealing with us. If we press on according to God’s will, the truth will surface and expose others’ machinations and lies in due time. Indeed, if we try to take matters into our own hands, we will likely embroil ourselves in conflict. Instead, pray and wait on God, and he will “out the truth” in his perfect timing.
Prayer: Father God, please help us to prayerfully wait on you and resist taking matters into our own hands when others try to deceive us. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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