Sunday, December 15, 2013

12-16-13- People of Jerusalem at the First Christmas

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”  When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.  (Matthew 2:1-3)

Thoughts: The people of Jerusalem missed that first Christmas.  They heard the rumors, and saw the wise men come and ask where the Messiah was born. Probably they heard the message of the scribes and priests that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem.
      Bethlehem was only a walk away from Jerusalem- about five and a half miles.  The people of Jerusalem were "disturbed."  The word means and is translated as "stirred, perplexed, agitated, troubled".  But Herod, who was old did not act on his worries.  He told the wise men to find him and then he would come worship him.  But he later tried to kill the Messiah according to scripture.  About thirty three years later the people of Jerusalem would at first welcome the Messiah but then shout "Crucify Him."  But when the Christ- the Messiah was born, they only were troubled and sat on their hands.  Too many times we may know about God and know about Jesus but we do not act on that belief.  

Prayer: Lord, Let me know you and seek you.  Keep me from complacency, or apathy to miss your love and presence in my life.  





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