12/10- Submitting Our Spirit to His

12/10   Scripture  - “When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.  ‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they replied, ‘for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’  Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.’” (Matthew 2:3-8)

Ancient Byzantine drawing of Magi

This is a very ironic scene. The magi have traveled a great distance to worship the new-born king. Naturally they go to where they expect the king to be – in the palace. Not only is there no king, but these devout men actually put Jesus in danger. They alert Herod to his birth and then they tell him all they know about this king and his natal star. Herod represents all that is evil, all that is the “spirit of the flesh.” He seeks power and wealth and will destroy anything and anyone that gets in his way. He is a liar and cheat and above all a coward who fears infants. Being in tune with the spirit of the flesh can only bring misery.

In contrast the Holy Spirit bears good and lasting fruit – peace, joy, patience, love, kindness, gentleness, generosity, and self-control. To submit our will to that of the spirit seems very difficult – especially at first. Our sinful nature cries for what we want. But over time we learn that God’s ways are full of wisdom. His plans are better than we could ever imagine. He is faithful and true and as we reap these fruits of the spirit we desire to grow ever-stronger in our discipleship. To submit our will to Christ is one way to worship and adore him.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, Take my life as an offering to you. Use me for your glory.

Application: Give Jesus a Christmas present.  Either give up something that displeases Him or take up an additional thing that pleases Him (participate in a ministry, read your Bible or pray more).

[Written by Rev. Tracie Stewart]