Debbie's Perspective

The story we talked about yesterday is not usually a part of the sweet Christmas pageants we like to watch. The jealousy and hatred of a cruel king leaving devastation in his wake as he tries to remove the threat of the newborn King he fears seems in sharp contrast to the angels singing joyfully in the field while shepherds watch with awe. The worship around the manger and the majesty and treasure of the wise men are all the things we look to and remember as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

The truth of the other part of the story is the whole reason Jesus had to come, why we needed God with us, and why it’s such a joyous celebration. Sin and death had its grip on all men. It came into the earth, taking men captive from the moment Adam made his choice to disobey God’s command.

“When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.” Romans 5:12 and 18 (NLT)

In our first couple of days, we read in Isaiah 9 that the people who walk in darkness would see a great light. Jesus was and is that light.

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)

And this is why we don’t dwell on the brutal action of Herod because no matter what he may have tried to do in his evil schemes, he could never change the plans and purposes of God. Evil will never prevail. While Herod lived, Joseph and Mary with Jesus would be kept protected as they waited in Egypt.

Today’s truth is that darkness is in the world, but the light of Jesus shines brighter and stronger.

Joseph and Mary probably thought they would be unknown as they entered the temple. They were a poor young couple just coming to the temple to complete the purification according to the law of Moses. Now Simeon has come and held their son, speaking amazing things over him, and before they can go on their way, another comes in, Anna, a prophetess. She was widowed after only seven years of marriage and has lived in the temple fasting and praying night and day, from then until now, at age 84.

“She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.” Luke 2:38 (NLT)

So far, we’ve seen that from the time of Jesus’ birth, those who encountered Him ended up praising God and telling everyone they knew about Him, but let’s move back into Matthew and see if everyone feels the same way.

Matthew begins chapter two, letting us know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea during the reign of King Herod. He was known for many good things but was also known for being very paranoid and cruel. In fits of rage and jealous paranoia, he was reported to have killed close associates and family members. Caesar Augustus was known to say that it was safer to be Herod’s pig than it was to be Herod’s son.

Wise men from the East arrived in Jerusalem asking about a newborn king. This was not going to go over very well.

“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw His star as it rose, and we have come to worship Him.” King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem, which really means just the leaders. We know that Simeon and Anna were thrilled, and there were others who were waiting expectantly for their Messiah. Herod called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of the religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” Matthew 2:2-4 (NLT)

Wealthy, wise men have traveled far from the East to come and worship this baby, who is a king from birth. That in itself is incredible. He is already ruling and reigning before he has ever done one thing, which is evidenced by those who immediately recognize his kingship and worship him and those who recognize it and are deeply disturbed by it.  

The leading priests and teachers of religious law should have been as joyful as the shepherds seeking their Messiah. They knew exactly where He was supposed to be born. They can quote Micah 5:2. They knew He would be born in Bethlehem and that He would be ‘a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.’ So why aren’t they ecstatic, why are they deeply disturbed? They were supposed to be leading the people of Israel spiritually. Instead, hearing this meant a threat to their power as it did Herod’s. This is probably why they didn’t get a visit from the angels proclaiming the birth.

Today’s truth is this, to those who recognize their need for a Savior, Jesus is life. To those who seek their own power and authority and reject Him, He is a threat. The same treatment Jesus received as He walked this earth is the same that believers can expect. Paul states in 2 Corinthians 2:16 (NLT) – “To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume.” When we seek to save our reputation over seeking Him, we are no better than the religious leaders in Jesus’ day.

Luke 1:56 tells us that Mary stayed there with Elizabeth for about three months and then went home. It doesn’t tell us if she stayed for the birth of John or left before he was born. Since she arrived when Elizabeth was six months pregnant and was there with her for three months, you would assume she stayed until the baby was born. Was this a preparation time for her own pregnancy and delivery?

“When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her. When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. But Elizabeth said, ‘No, his name is John!’ ‘What,’ they exclaimed. ‘There is no one in all your family by that name.’ So, they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him. He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise, he wrote, ‘His name is John.’ Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.” Luke 1:59-64 (NLT)

Elizabeth had a boy, just as God had promised she would. All the neighbors and relatives rejoiced with them; just what Gabriel told them would happen. Now came the naming of the child. Since Zechariah was unable to speak, the crowd assumed they knew what he would want this boy to be named, Zechariah, of course. Elizabeth is quick and adamant that his name is John. They acted like she was crazy and then asked Zechariah what he wanted to name him. You can’t really blame them for not understanding why Elizabeth would name the child some name that wasn’t attached to their family. In any other instance, Zechariah would have wanted this boy he had waited for all these years to have his name.

It’s puzzling to me why they would use gestures to ask Zechariah since he was not deaf but merely mute. Since he communicated with gestures, it may have seemed natural to talk to him using gestures as well. But this may indicate that he and Elizabeth had both cloistered themselves away, not sharing this coming miracle with anyone else until it actually came to pass. We might even think that Zechariah was still harboring some light doubt, but the way he quickly let them know his son’s name was John without any hesitation is telling. This was an act of faith and obedience for Zechariah. He may have doubted the initial announcement, but it is clear here that he no longer doubted the promise God had given him. God was faithful to return his voice, and the first thing he did was praise the God who keeps His promises. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied about God’s goodness, power to save, mercy, and much more. You can read his whole prophecy in Luke 1:68-79.

Awe struck everyone, they spread the news through the Judean hills, and those who heard the story wondered what this special child would turn out to be. It was evident to everyone that God had his hand on this boy.

The last verse in this chapter tells us that “John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry in Israel.” Luke 1:80 (NLT) He fulfilled everything the angel said about him during his life.

Today’s truth is that if God says it is going to happen, it does. When we look at the Word of God, we see prophecies that are spoken centuries before they come to pass, but they come to pass. We see others spoken, and in a short time, it happens. If story after story shows us evidence that God is faithful to what He says He will do, we can be sure that every promise in His Word that hasn’t been fulfilled yet, is on its way.