King Herod heard about this new king of the Jews. Herod was troubled about this. And all the people in Jerusalem were worried too. Herod called a meeting of all the leading Jewish priests and teachers of the law. Herod asked them where the Christ would be born. They answered, "In the town of Bethlehem in Judea. The prophet wrote about this {in the Scriptures}: 'Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, you are important among the rulers of Judah. Yes, a ruler will come from you, and that ruler will lead Israel, my people.'"
— Matthew 2:3-6 NLT
Key Thought
While God is full of surprises, he has repeatedly given his people help in understanding—even anticipating, his greatest works of salvation. The prophets had seen a new David coming to redeem and lead God's people. Like David of old, this new David would also be a shepherd from the town of Bethlehem. But, like so many in our time, Herod was more interested in using this understanding of God's plan to help himself rather than to be molded into a person of God. We must learn that God's Word in Scripture is given to us to help us know, obey, and worship him, not simply to collect a set of facts to use for our own personal advantage.
Today's Prayer
Dear Father, I want to know your Word so I may more perfectly obey your will. Please help me to find your truth and live it, not just discuss it or use it for my own selfish purposes. I pray this in the name of the Living Word. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
- 1 Samuel 16:1-2
- 1 Chronicles 11:16-19
- John 7:41-42
About This Devotional
What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.
What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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