Wise Men Seek the King-- Matthew 2:1-12

During my quiet time this afternoon, I decided to start my reading off with Matthew 2:1-12. I would like to begin with what this specific chapter discusses:

It begins discussing about after Jesus was born. SO, Jesus has just been born and wise men from the east, astrologers who probably came from Babylon, arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem. They are coming to look for, "He who has been born King of the Jews." To add a note, this is during the days of King Herod, a cruel monarch of the time. So when he heard about these wise men searching for someone who has been King of the Jews-- you could just imagine... Just as the devil is jealous when we seek out the Lord today, King Herod is disturbed, he is jealous... And just as people follow wordly things and idolize worldly people in today's world, all of Jerusalem followed King Herods reaction and was also disturbed. Because he is disturbed he is wondering where is this Messiah (Jesus) so he asks the chief priests and scribes of the people and they tell him, "In Bethlehem of Judea." Now that he knows where Jesus is and there is no telling what he is willing to do to him; he goes and tells the wise men to go and search for the child and report back to him when they have. The wise men follow the stars and finds Jesus and gives Him gifts from their treasure. You know the most powerful part of this word is: the wise men were warned in a dream not to go back to HEROD! They returned to their own country and not Jerusalem! Talk about IMMEDIATE OBEDIENCE!?

Matthew 2:12 says: And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route.

*The Lord gave them a warning because Herod had bad intentions with Jesus. The Lord knew this and gave the wise men a warning through their dreams! The most beautiful part is they IMMEDIATLY OBEYED the Lord. They did not question him. Not once. They simply listened to his word. How many of us can say we would have done the same? How many of us follows the Lord when He gives us a quick, but noticeable warning sign?

Guys, so many times the Lord gives us direction and He tells us what to and what not to do. You know? You always hear people say, "something told me" or "I had a feeling." No, that was the Lord trying to reach us. And you know most of the time that we have to say those words, something bad comes out of it. Imagine if the wise men did not listen to the Lord and instead, went back to Herod. They would be saying the same thing... "Something told me....." It is so essential and important to listen to your first mind, NOTHING ELSE AFTER IT. That is the Holy Spirit trying to lead you.... Let HIM! I promise He would not steer you wrong and you may not see that now, but guess what?! YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO! Sit back, mind your business, and trust the Lord. He is an awesome God... THE only God... THE UNSTOPPABLE GOD. Think about it before you were even created He mapped out your whole life. LET HIM LEAD YOU THE WAY HE PLANNED TO! He planned for all of us to have success... we have to let go of our life and let Him guide us!! Matthew 10:39 specifically says: Anyone finding his life will lose it, and anyone losing his life because of Me will find it. Do you see that?! He is telling you bluntly, if you try to find your own life and lead your own life, you will lose it! It will turn into shambles.... Let him grab a hold of your life, change your heart, and lead you. No matter what is going on... you could be pure broke! And so many of us are scared of just that. Do we not know that no matter what, when we are following the Lord... He will take care of us. Those student loans would magically be paid, our phone bill, our mortgage (if you have one)!!!!! He got us!!! We just have to take the time to sit back and cast our care unto Him... Let Him lead our lives! Submit to Him as He is God Almighty!!!

See you next time, guys and remember there is no love greater than God's, our Father! Be Blessed... Xoxo Gerri D.