An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” – Matthew 2:13
What blessings were you born with? For some, it is good looks or a generous family inheritance. Jesus was born King of the Jews. His birth was prophesied since the beginning of time, He did not earn the title or overthrow a regime to gain it. He was brought into the world by God, as His beloved Son, the Messiah.
Herod, the brutal king of Judea at the time of Jesus’ birth, was not opposed to killing to satisfy his thirst for power. Even his wives and children were not exempted! Herod represents the world system in its most graphic form. He ruled the Jews by brute force, and he despised the idea that one would be born to lead them out of his well-crafted bondage.
The world system has not changed. It still rejects God’s plan for humanity and certainly opposes any authority other than its own. Yet, Herod, with his worldly authority and power, was not successful in destroying Jesus. Today, Christ has taken His rightful place, “God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth” (Philippians 2:9-10).
As a Christ follower, you were spiritually born with a place in His Kingdom, “He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings, and those with Him are called and chosen and faithful” (Revelation 17:14). Express gratitude to your Savior for these birthright gifts. Pray for many across America, especially in public office, to come into the saving knowledge and relationship with Jesus Christ, Son of God, King of All.
Today’s Verse: Matthew 2:13
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: John 3:3-7
3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
