Warriors Arise: May 21, 2023
Matthew 2:7-12, 16-18 (NKJV) Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” 9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying:
18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,
Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children,
Refusing to be comforted,
Because they are no more.”
The wisemen had no idea what Herod would do when they were sharing information with him. They were not thinking anyone would harm the new king. Their motives were completely innocent. They were on a quest. For well over a year, maybe even two, they had been traveling rough terrain to find the King of the Jews. They were so close and yet disappointed, because surely the new king would be in Jerusalem. Now, they were being summoned to a secret meeting with Herod. What did they know about Herod prior to this meeting? Had they heard stories of him and his craziness? Did they know he felt threatened by even one of his wives and one of his sons and had them killed?
Sometimes I can get so caught up in my own quest for God, desire to express God or to see justice prevail, that I do not realize I am walking right into enemy territory. I don't realize the person I am speaking with is not a friend but a foe. The wisemen were not out to overthrow Herod; however, they also didn't think ahead what this new king would truly mean to Herod and his position. They didn't think what would shift for Herod or Rome with a new king. The heaven's declared the arrival of the new king but that doesn't mean Rome or Herod were ready to acknowledge this reassignment of authority without a fight. God would have to do more than send a sign in the heavens. Rome was ready for battle. They would not pack up and leave without a fight. They were not going to give up territory, because of a sign in the heavens. Even though the wisemen recognized the sign of God and honor the new king of the Jews, they failed to look into the future of what this would do in Israel. They were caught up in the quest rather than how God would want to bring the new king to reign. Questions to ask ourselves:
Is our relationship with God about seeking and finding Him?
Is it about what God wants to do when we find Him?
Is it about what God is doing?
Is it about how God is bringing things about and why?
Is is about what our role is in what He is doing?
How we respond to these questions will help us to align how we are to respond when God reveals Himself or His plan. I still think the wisemen were to pursue finding the new king. I believe because they found Him, Joseph understood why he had to flee with Mary and Jesus to Egypt immediately, when he was warned in a dream. The wisemen were the reality, that if they could find them eventually so could Herod.
Father, You are wonderful in all of Your ways. I pray I see when You have sent a sign. I pray I seek You to know how to respond. I pray I will pursue You. I pray I will not stir up others who are afraid fo You or those trying to prevent the advancement of Your kingdom here on earth. I seek you and pursue You. I have had to learn the hard way that there are many I have given testimony of Your goodness, who do not celebrate in what You have done. I want to follow Your Word and stir others to good deeds. I want to be aware of those who do not know how to rejoice in Your goodness. I pray You would bring truth into their life. I pray You would bring peace into their life. I pray they would truly desire to know You, trust You, and follow You. I pray they would acknowledge all You have done for them. I pray they would surrender to You and rise in Your strength; because they truly have the joy of the Lord. I ask to be wise, innocent and pursue You. I ask to know who to share with and how to pursue You. I am truly blessed by how You have made Yourself known to me. I lift up my voice and praise You. You are worthy to be praised. Come and lead the way in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
Join together as Believers in Jesus Christ to pray and to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.
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