The King Has Come

We see it at the beginning of our reading today (Matthew 2:1-18). It's the search for the King: "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." And these are well to do, honored, learned men who have traveled hundreds of miles on camels to find Him. It probably surprises them that the current king in Jerusalem doesn't know anything about Him. But when they do see the guiding star stopping over a house in Bethlehem, they are leaping with joy. And what do they do when they actually see the Child? "They fell to the ground and worshiped Him."

Now you have to remember that this is a regular looking baby with a rather poor family in a probably small house in little Bethlehem. But the wise men know He is the King. So they give rich gifts and are obedient to God's dream for the route home.

I think we are at a bit of a disadvantage since we don't know who a king is. But the king has the power, so when he gets worried, you do too:  "When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him." But we have a good King - a wonderful King. However, He means what He says. That reminds me of Isaiah 66:2: "But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word."

Lord, help us to remember that You mean what You say. Help us to know You both as Friend and King.