Day 5, Matthew 2

Matthew 2

Our Kingly evangelist Matthew further introduces us to our Jewish King by jumping ahead about a year and a half, to the arrival of the eastern mystics seeking the new King. We know the time span because Herod, seeking to murder this threat to his rule, orders the killing of all the babies in Bethlehem who are under two years old.

Throughout these threats and trials, Jesus is kept safe by his parents’ obedience to God. Often the intervention came in the form of dreams and angelic visitations. Joseph was a remarkable man to be so devoted to hearing and obeying God.

The sobering lesson for us is that the power-crazed Herod was not an isolated aberration in the annals of history. Rather, he represents the toxic dysfunction of power and governmental authority. This world is corrupted by sin and the rule of our enemy, the satan or deceiver. The actions and sins recorded by Matthew are reflected throughout history, and will continue until our Lord Jesus returns to restore God’s design for humanity.

Can you trace sin’s corruption in your history? How is Jesus dealing with it?

And can you recognize supernatural events and interventions where God meets you in the darkness to bring you into His light?

Have a great day!

Mark.