Day 200
Matthew 2:3
"When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him."
Matthew's account of the first advent of Christ includes the quest of the Magi. Wise men from the east came to Jerusalem in search of a young king. His birth was certain to them because of their interpretation of the appearance of an unusual star.
Apparently, these men had asked a number of people in Jerusalem about the location of this king, because the scripture said all Jerusalem was troubled. The wise men were not searching for clues to help them decide who the child was. They asked, "Where is he?" The manner in which the question was asked seems to indicate they expected the ones they queried to be aware of his presence. They expected someone to tell them where they could find him. The ignorance of the Jews in regard to their own king probably brought surprised looks from the seekers. Word began to travel around the area. Perhaps the Jews themselves began to wonder who knew the answer and what the meaning of this event was that brought men from such a long distance to Jerusalem. Eventually, Herod the king heard of it. The wicked leader was troubled for selfish reasons. He was the king, and he did not want competition. So, he planned to kill the one who the star supposedly revealed was of royal blood.
It is rather disappointing to see that men thousands of miles away knew more about an important spiritual event that was happening in Judea than the citizens of the land. Often, a wicked person in authority like Herod reflects the overall spiritual condition of the inhabitants. John said Jesus attempted to minister
to His own, but they did not receive Him. In Matthew 23:37, Jesus cried, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"
It may be that we who are truly committed to God are suffering, because of the overall spiritual condition of the people in our land. We can tell this by the kinds of leaders we have, as well as the average person's receptiveness to the gospel. However, Jesus went to Israel, despite their spiritual condition, and gave the good news to all who would listen. Then, He died for the world, including all those who rejected Him. Like Jesus, we have been sent to give the good news to all who will hear. Sometimes, it may be disappointing that people who know nothing about God seem to understand better and are more receptive to the truth than people who are familiar with the Jesus story. However, like Jesus, we must spread the good news to all who will listen.
When time is up for things to continue the way they are going, the sheep and the goats will be separated. Everyone who loves God will enjoy life with godly people, as Jesus will reign forever as King of kings and Lord of lords. Meanwhile, as His representatives, we must realize persecution may come, but our labor will not be in vain. Although we will be presented with opportunities to become discouraged, we will win some people. We can be grateful that Jesus did not allow discouragement to stop Him. Because He kept pressing forward, despite the rejection of those who seemingly should have been the main ones accepting Him, we are enjoying salvation today.
I will not allow the disappointment of rejection by those I expected to be receptive to stop me from pursuing my mission in life. Like my Lord, I intend to finish the work which has been assigned to me. Through my life, God will continue to help as many as will respond to His call.