Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him."
—Matthew 2:1-2 NLT
God does the unexpected! There was no way anyone would suspect — much less expect — that Easterners would come to worship a Jewish king, especially a baby one. Even though King David was born in Bethlehem and there was a prophecy of another ruler from Bethlehem (Matthew 2:6), it was a little obscure, insignificant town. Also, no faithful Israelite would have ever believed astrologers would be led to the true God through their false, stargazing-worship. (Remember that acts of divination, including astrology to interpret signs from heavenly bodies, were steadfastly condemned under the law of Moses! Deuteronomy 18:9-15) But then, God doesn't have to do things the way normal Israelites, Gentiles, or modern people do them. Aren't we glad God is full of surprises! Aren't we glad he sent Jesus as his greatest surprise!
O Sovereign and Almighty Lord, please forgive me for trying to tame you and make you predictable. You have always been full of surprises. Please "surprise" me in my lifetime by bringing your salvation to every nation, language, tribe, and people in our world. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Matthew 2:1-2 NLT
Key Thought
God does the unexpected! There was no way anyone would suspect — much less expect — that Easterners would come to worship a Jewish king, especially a baby one. Even though King David was born in Bethlehem and there was a prophecy of another ruler from Bethlehem (Matthew 2:6), it was a little obscure, insignificant town. Also, no faithful Israelite would have ever believed astrologers would be led to the true God through their false, stargazing-worship. (Remember that acts of divination, including astrology to interpret signs from heavenly bodies, were steadfastly condemned under the law of Moses! Deuteronomy 18:9-15) But then, God doesn't have to do things the way normal Israelites, Gentiles, or modern people do them. Aren't we glad God is full of surprises! Aren't we glad he sent Jesus as his greatest surprise!
Today's Prayer
O Sovereign and Almighty Lord, please forgive me for trying to tame you and make you predictable. You have always been full of surprises. Please "surprise" me in my lifetime by bringing your salvation to every nation, language, tribe, and people in our world. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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