When I was in Cuba and we were traveling late at night our host stopped the car and turned off the headlights. We stepped out of the car into total darkness. As I looked up I immediately thought of Psalm 8: “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers — the moon and the stars you set in place — what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” I have no trouble believing the ‘Wise Men’ could easily have followed a star to Bethlehem.
Matthew was the tax collector Jesus called to follow him. He must have spent years studying the scriptures to find the references to God’s promise to send His Messiah. (Matthew cites references to Hosea; Jeremiah, Isaiah) Matthew’s point is that as God’s Son, Jesus will fulfill all that Israel was intended to do. The inclusion of the Magi is to make clear that Jesus is the Savior of the whole world.
Jesus was born into a time of trouble, tension, violence and fear. Jesus, Emmanuel comes to where the people are over wrought with pain and suffering. In chapter two Matthew sets the tone for Jesus’ ministry.
It is our human nature to think that when everything seems to be going wrong we must be far from God. Matthew reminds me that when I am overwhelmed by circumstances and worry, I may be exactly where God wants me.
What word or phrase in these verses
attracts your attention?
Reflect on that word or phrase.
What insights come to you?
How does this passage touch your life today?
27-Dec-11 Luke 2: 21-40
No comments:
Post a Comment