Christmas Advent Devotional | Day 6
Advent – Day 6
A Tale of Two Kings. Yesterday we got a glimpse of the wise men’s declaration: “King of the Jews.” Today we will see the reaction it provoked in an earthly king, Herod. One was born king, while the other reigned as king without legitimate ancestry to the throne. Perhaps you find yourself contending either internally or with another concerning your current position or title. It is time to rise and shine and walk in all that has been bestowed upon you. Advent means “coming,” and we are taking time to reflect on the birth of Jesus, as well as His second coming. We are continuing our journey in the second chapter of Matthew, where we left off yesterday.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:3-6
3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:
6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”
Devotional Thoughts
Herod reigned over Palestine from 37 B.C. to 4 B.C. According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary, Herod was not a descendant of David, and not even a direct descendant of David’s ancestry through Jacob. Herod was of the ancestry of Esau, Jacob’s brother. This fact was the reason why many Jews neither liked him nor accepted him.1 Jesus on the other hand, was prophesied to be the rightful heir to the throne, through his divine nature and his earthly lineage through King David. The prophecy Matthew quoted is found in Micah 5:2. No wonder when King Herod sniffed rumors of a king whose birthright challenged his legitimacy on the throne, he became troubled.
Do you find yourself in a place where others are troubled by your position, your promotion, your title, or even your knowledge and expertise? Sometimes their reactions can cause you to doubt yourself or cause you to feel restricted in your role. In observing Christ, He never had to justify, explain, or apologize for his rightful position as heir. This did not mean he was proud. He simply walked in the authority that belonged to Him. Herod didn’t know that Christ’s rulership was to be a spiritual one, ruling in the hearts of men, as opposed to overthrowing earthly governments. You may need to make a shift in your thinking, walking in the gifts and position the Lord has put you in to effect positive impact and bring Him glory. Don’t hide your gift or downplay your position under the guise of modesty, but like Christ, serve the Lord with all He has given you.
Christ – The True King
Is it not interesting that King Herod gathered the Priests to learn of where this infant king was to be born? He expected them to know through the scriptures that a Messiah might really be born that could jeopardize his rule. And is it not interesting that the response of the Jewish priests (who never accepted Christ as their king) responded to Herod through a prophecy of the Old Testament by the prophet Micah? Both King Herod, and the Priests made the connection of the prophecy to the Baby Jesus, yet their hearts could not accept his Lordship. Their rejection of Christ as king however never changed the fact that Christ was and still is king, and reigns in the lives and hearts of all that accept Him.
Reflection
• Have you been in a position where you were defensive about your gifts, talents, or position? This may be a good opportunity to surrender them to the Lord and ask Him to give you wisdom in using what you have to serve many.
• Are the times when you can sense that the Lord is leading you to do something, but your heart cannot accept it because it is not in line with your logic? Or worse, you are acting out of fear? Again, this is an opportunity to bring this before the Lord, and ask for grace to not only see and sense Him, but to accept His leadership in every area of your life.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, I acknowledge you as my Lord and my king. Forgive me for the times I have hidden my talents, and not served those you have sent me to. I submit my thinking into your hands. Help me to understand my place in my current circumstance and grant me the wisdom to walk wisely. Help me to discern your leading, and to obey you, knowing that there is greater fulfilment in doing so. May my life bring you glory. Amen.
1 Bible Knowledge Commentary. Walvoord and Zuck. 1983. Matthew 2:3
Previous Devotionals
Christmas Advent Devotional Day 1
Christmas Advent Devotional Day 2
Christmas Advent Devotional Day 3
Christmas Advent Devotional Day 4
Christmas Advent Devotional Day 5
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