The FaithOfJesus2 Daily Devotional

Focus:

kjv@Revelation:14:12 @ Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

( FaithOfJesus thread begun by rRandyP )

Today's Verse:

kjv@Matthew:2:13-18

kjv@Matthew:2:13 @ And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

kjv@Matthew:2:14 @ When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

kjv@Matthew:2:15 @ And was there until the death of Herod; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

kjv@Matthew:2:16 @ Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

kjv@Matthew:2:17 @ Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy (Jeremiah) the prophet, saying,

kjv@Matthew:2:18 @ In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

Today's notes: Herod's Wrath

Context:

Before - Trouble over unwelcome visitors Matthew:2:1-12
After - One king cut down, three branches pickup Matthew:2:19-23

What is man believing/doing?:

leaving Bethlehem for Egypt
being wroth at wise men feeling mocked yet inquiring from same/other wise men at same time
sending forth to slay
lamenting, weeping, mourning loss of all children two and younger

What is making man to believe/do as he is doing?:

at word of angel
feeling of being mocked, wrath (even though intention was to kill Jesus from start)
best guess of time frame of birth
command from king, obedience to command
probable attempt to send message to all of Judah to distance themselves from Jesus

Notes:

Matthew's legal case brings up an infamous national event that centered around the possible Messiah being born in Bethlehem and Herod's horrid response fulfilling prophecy. These types of events are impossible to stage or concoct out of thin air.

These things are happen without Jesus saying word or taking a step.

Key Messages:

What does this say about our present condition?

Being a tyrant or extreme potentate does not mean one is free from the political momentums, perceptions and influences as others, it only means that one does not ultimately operate within the conscionable borders of most; when a message has to be sent violent intimidation and it's relative ease especially amongst your own people seem to speak loudest.
Easier for most to live at peace with tyranny then at peace with their own conscience. The first requires little strength or resource, the second requires God's.
the mere possibility of God moving in a direction man does not desire/intend for brings destruction.
despite man's many good intentions his deceptive/reckless heart must be ruled, quite often by rulers of an iron fist or no other. It is not only this heart that makes it a absolute necessity, but also makes it fairly easy to be ruled in this manner.

Further Resources:

Comment Board:Matthew:2:13-18
index:FAITHOFJESUSDEVOTION - Devotional Index
strkjv@Matthew:2:13-18 rwp@Matthew:2:13-18 mhcc@Matthew:2:13-18
FaithOfJesus2 - Devotion Index

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