The Wednesday Word 11.09.2022

 

Matthew 2:1-12

New Living Translation

Visitors from the East

2 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, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” 3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. 4 He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: 6 ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. 8 Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” 9 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.”

Sometimes it is exceedingly difficult to tell if someone is on the level. Now, without doubt, we all see things through the filter of our own experiences and attitudes. Ten good people can all see the same situation and report it in ten different ways. That’s why testimony can be unreliable. However, people without integrity or scruples will twist truth to suit their own agenda. People like King Herod. He couldn’t have cared less about worshiping a baby whose coming had been prophesied. He cared only about securing his own power and position. This obsession went so far as to order the murder of every male under two years of age throughout the kingdom. What a blessing for us that the Wise Men listened to God’s warning and avoided further implication in Herod’s plans.

So many voices clamoring for our attention today! To whom shall we listen? Make sure that you are hearing that “small still voice” and not the siren call of those who wish to use you for their own ends. Following God’s agenda will never steer us wrong…something to pray about.

Don’t forget to look for the Lord today. Vicki H.


                                                                                                photo by Willam B/

 

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