When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him[.] Matthew 2:3
This morning, I continued with my listening/reading of a Christmas/Advent devotional from John Piper. Today's entry focuses on two different kinds of opposition to Jesus. Piper describes this opposition and he starts with Matthew 2:4 where the chief priests and scribes of the people refer to the prophecy of Jesus found in Micah 5:2. While we don't see an explicit opposition to Jesus from the chief priests and scribes, Piper writes that opposition can be implied (and I cannot find a basis to argue with him), because unlike the Magi - foreigners - who made their way to Bethlehem to visit Jesus, the chief priests and scribes who should expect to see the fulfillment of prophecy with the birth of Jesus, do not seem to be interested to visit Jesus. In fact, scripture does say that Herod was not only troubled by the birth of Jesus, but all of Jerusalem with him - implying that the chief priests and scribes were also troubled. Believers may not find themselves in the category of opposition characterized by Herod, but may find themselves indifferent as described by Piper - characterizing the response by the chief priests and scribes. My hope and prayer for myself is that I seek Jesus - and that I point others to Jesus.
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is full of grace and patience with me - You chose me as one of Your elect while I was still an enemy and hostile to You....thank You Jesus! Thank You for continuing to pursue me even as I was indifferent and not seeking nearness to You. I am not deserving of Your grace. I am harsh with others and I worry. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Please provide wisdom and energy for Lisa and myself. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
