Jesus revealed
by Ruth Olsen
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But you, Bethlehem … out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel (Matthew 2:6).
God’s ways are often the opposite of our human ways and expectations. Would you have the promised Saviour of the world come to the big stage with all the bells and whistles or to a back paddock? Yet God chooses the seemingly insignificant, making it significant.
‘But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for me one to be ruler over Israel – one whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity’ (Micah 5:2). This one coming from eternity will be a ruler and a shepherd. That’s quite a contrast because shepherds were considered outcasts in Jesus’ day. But if we know the Old Testament, we know that the shepherd boy David, the youngest and ‘forgotten’ son of Jesse from Bethlehem, eventually became King of Israel, ruler over Israel (1 and 2 Samuel).
Matthew 1:6–17 traces the lineage of Jesus through Mary and Joseph to King David. It’s after Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea that God revealed who he was to some Gentiles (non-Jews). These wise men from the east (perhaps Persia or southern Arabia) came to Jerusalem looking for the King of the Jews. Naturally, King Herod in Jerusalem was disturbed at this news and told them he also wanted to worship this baby. Although, he had other plans, as told in the verses following today’s reading.
Despite Herod’s plans, God used the star to continue leading the wise men to where Mary and Joseph were with the baby Jesus, but he then warned them in a dream not to go back to Herod.
The Lord knows the plans he has for each of his children. We see his provision for Mary, Joseph, Jesus and the wise men. Likewise, his plans for us are to prosper, not harm us, and give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Things can look rather scary, but he will also lead us as we trust him.
Abba Father, by your Spirit, continue daily to reveal Jesus and more of your ways to us and through us to others. Amen.
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