Tag Archives: Herod

Christmas

PRE-CHRISTMAS CONTEMPLATIONS-CONCLUSION-THE FAMILY FLEES

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Herod in Jerusalem impatiently awaited the return of the wise men. As time passed, and they did not appear, his suspicions were roused. The unwillingness of the rabbis to point out the Messiah’s birthplace seemed to indicate that they had penetrated his design and that the magi had purposely avoided him. He was maddened at the thought. Craft had failed, but there was left the resort to force. He would make an example of this child-king. Those haughty Jews should see what they might expect in their attempts to place a monarch on the throne.

Children Two and Under

Soldiers were at once sent to Bethlehem, with orders to put to death all the children of two years and under. The quiet homes of the city of David witnessed those scenes of horror that, six hundred years before, had been opened to the prophet.

“In Ramah 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.” Matthew 2:18, ref Jeremiah 31:15

This calamity the Jews had brought upon themselves. If they had been walking in faithfulness and humility before God, He would, in a signal manner, have made the king’s wrath harmless to them. But they had separated themselves from God by their sins and had rejected the Holy Spirit, which was their only shield. They had not studied the Scriptures with a desire to conform to the will of God. They had searched for prophecies that could be interpreted to exalt themselves and to show how God despised all other nations. It was their proud boast that the Messiah was to come as a king, conquering His enemies and treading down the heathen in His wrath. Thus they had excited the hatred of their rulers. Through their misrepresentation of Christ’s mission, Satan had purposed to compass the destruction of the Saviour; instead, it returned upon their own heads.

This act of cruelty was one of the last that darkened the reign of Herod. Soon after the slaughter of the innocents, he was himself compelled to yield to that doom that none can turn aside. He died a fearful death.

Egypt

Joseph, who was still in Egypt, was now bidden by an angel of God to return to the land of Israel. Regarding Jesus as the heir to David’s throne, Joseph desired to make his home in Bethlehem; but learning that Archelaus reigned in Judea in his father’s stead, he feared that the son might carry out the father’s designs against Christ. Of all the sons of Herod, Archelaus most resembled him in character. Already his succession to the government had been marked by a tumult in Jerusalem and the slaughter of thousands of Jews by the Roman guards.

Again Joseph was directed to a place of safety. He returned to Nazareth, his former home, and here for nearly thirty years, Jesus dwelt,

“that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Matthew 2:23

Galilee was under the control of a son of Herod, but it had a much larger admixture of foreign inhabitants than Judea. Thus there was less interest in matters relating especially to the Jews, and the claims of Jesus would be less likely to excite the jealousy of those in power.

Such was the Saviour’s reception when He came to the earth. There seemed to be no place of rest or safety for the infant Redeemer. God could not trust His beloved Son with men, even while carrying forward His work for their salvation. He commissioned angels to attend to Jesus and protect Him till He should accomplish His mission on earth and die at the hands of those whom He came to save.

Desire of Ages, p. 65-67

Contemplation notes:

As I read the first six chapters of Desire of Ages and the related scriptures, I could see the hand of the only true God at work. Hundreds of prophecies from God’s sacred Word provide proof of the truthfulness of Jesus Christ. There is no other like Him (Psalm 71-19 b)

His first advent was promised in the opening chapters of Genesis. From that point forward, every generation looked for the Messiah. It finally happened in the fall of 4 AD (as detailed by Daniel the prophet). Other prophets foretold of His character and work, his birthplace, and the events surrounding His birth. It is impossible for this baby to have set up the fulfillment of hundreds of Old Testament prophecies. Hence, this is what separates Jesus from all others who would claim the title of Immanuel (God With Us):

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

Matthew 1:23, ref. Isaiah 7:14

The prophets gave Jesus many other names. These names reflect his character and work while here on earth and in His heavenly sanctuary:

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isiah 9:6

Donkey VS White Horse

While Jesus came the first time relatively quiet with His mother riding on a lowly donkey, his return is prophesied in even more detail and with more certainty that His first advent. Sadly, there are many more Herods, doubters, blind followers, and religious men who love religion and tradition more than truth. There are fewer wise men in our world today.

As prophesied by Jesus, there are many false teachers and prophets who think they understand His second coming. But they twist clear scripture to create books and Hollywood productions that are far from the actual events described by God’s prophets in the Holy Bible.

He came into our world quietly in Bethlehem, born of a poor virgin who rode on a donkey, delivered quietly in a horse trough (manger). He comes back with worldwide viewing riding a white horse and proclaimed as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This time, He comes in clouds, and every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7). He will be announced with trumpets from the heavens, and His followers will rise from their graves to meet Him in the air (1 Thess. 4: 16-17). Every knee will bow and proclaim Him as true and righteous (Romans 14:11)

Let each one of us take to time to read and contemplate the clear word of God. Make it your personal study and devotion time. If you don’t have dedicated time each day for prayer, study, and seeking, start one! It is still not too late! For His second coming is certain:

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Hebrews 11:7

It will be the biggest event of the earth’s history!

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness, He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.  Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS.

Revelation 19: 11-16

Christmas

PRE-CHRISTMAS CONTEMPLATIONS-PART 9 -AT BETHLEHEM

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The wise men departed alone from Jerusalem. The shadows of night were falling as they left the gates, but to their great joy, they again saw the star and were directed to Bethlehem. They had received no such intimation of the lowly estate of Jesus as was given to the shepherds. After the long journey, they had been disappointed by the indifference of the Jewish leaders and had left Jerusalem less confident than when they entered the city.

At Bethlehem, they found no royal guard stationed to protect the newborn King. None of the world’s honored men were in attendance. Jesus was cradled in a manger. His parents, uneducated peasants, were His only guardians. Could this be He of whom it was written that He should

“raise up the tribes of Jacob,” and “restore the preserved of Israel;” that He should be “a light to the Gentiles,” and for “salvation unto the end of the earth”?

Isaiah 49:6.

“When they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him.”

Matthew 2:11

Beneath the lowly guise of Jesus, they recognized the presence of Divinity. They gave their hearts to Him as their Saviour and then poured out their gifts,—“gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” What a faith was theirs! It might have been said of the wise men from the East, as afterward of the Roman centurion,

“I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.”

Matthew 8:10

The magi had been among the first to welcome the Redeemer. Their gift was the first that was laid at His feet. And through that gift, what privilege of ministry was theirs! The offering from the heart that loves, God delights to honor, giving it the highest efficiency in service for Him. If we have given our hearts to Jesus, we also shall bring our gifts to Him. Our gold and silver, our most precious earthly possessions, our highest mental and spiritual endowments, will be freely devoted to Him who loved us, and gave Himself for us.

Escape From Herod

The wise men had not penetrated Herod’s design toward Jesus. When the object of their journey was accomplished, they prepared to return to Jerusalem, intending to acquaint him with their success. But in a dream, they received a divine message to hold no further communication with him. Avoiding Jerusalem, they set out for their own country by another route.

In like manner, Joseph received a warning to flee into Egypt with Mary and the child.

“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.

Matthew 12:13

Joseph obeyed without delay, setting out on the journey by night for greater security.

Through the wise men, God had called the attention of the Jewish nation to the birth of His Son. Their inquiries in Jerusalem, the popular interest excited, and even the jealousy of Herod, which compelled the attention of the priests and rabbis, directed minds to the prophecies concerning the Messiah and to the great event that had just taken place.

Satan was bent on shutting out the divine light from the world, and he used his utmost cunning to destroy the Saviour. But He who never slumbers nor sleeps was watching over His beloved Son. He who had rained manna from heaven for Israel and had fed Elijah in the time of famine provided in a heathen land a refuge for Mary and the child Jesus. And through the gifts of the magi from a heathen country, the Lord supplied the means for the journey into Egypt and the sojourn in a land of strangers.

Desire of Ages, p. 63-65, partial

Christmas

PRE-CHRISTMAS CONTEMPLATIONS-PART 7-“WE HAVE SEEN HIS STAR!”

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Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod, the king, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the East and are come to worship Him.” Matthew 2: 1-2

The wise men from the East were philosophers. They belonged to a large and influential class that included men of noble birth and comprised much of the wealth and learning of their nation. Among these were many who imposed on the credulity of the people. Others were upright men who studied the indications of Providence in nature and who were honored for their integrity and wisdom. Of this character were the wise men who came to Jesus.

The light of God is ever shining amid the darkness of heathenism. As these magi studied the starry heavens and sought to fathom the mystery hidden in their bright paths, they beheld the glory of the Creator. Seeking clearer knowledge, they turned to the Hebrew Scriptures.

The wise men had seen a mysterious light in the heavens upon that night when the glory of God flooded the hills of Bethlehem. As the light faded, a luminous star appeared and lingered in the sky. It was not a fixed star nor a planet, and the phenomenon excited the keenest interest. That star was a distant company of shining angels, but of this, the wise men were ignorant.

Yet they were impressed that the star was of special import to them. They consulted priests and philosophers and searched the scrolls of the ancient records. The prophecy of Balaam declared, “

There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.” Numbers 24:17.

Could this strange star have been sent as a harbinger of the Promised One? The magi had welcomed the light of heaven-sent truth; now it was shed upon them in brighter rays. Through dreams, they were instructed to go in search of the newborn Prince.

While they had the star before them as an outward sign, they also had the inward evidence of the Holy Spirit, which was impressing their hearts and inspiring them with hope. The journey, though long, was a happy one for them.

Apathetic Greeting

They have reached the land of Israel and are descending the Mount of Olives, with Jerusalem in sight, when, lo, the star that has guided them all the weary way rests above the temple and, after a season, fades from their view. With eager steps, they press onward, confidently expecting the Messiah’s birth to be the joyful burden of every tongue. But their inquiries are in vain. Entering the holy city, they repaired to the temple. To their amazement, they find none who seem to have knowledge of the newborn king. Their questions call forth no expressions of joy but rather of surprise and fear, not unmingled with contempt.

The priests are rehearsing traditions. They extol their religion and their own piety while they denounce the Greeks and Romans as heathens and sinners above others. The wise men are not idolaters, and in the sight of God, they stand far higher than do these, His professed worshipers, yet the Jews look upon them as heathen. Even among the appointed guardians of the Holy Oracles, their eager questionings touch no chord of sympathy.

The arrival of the magi was quickly noised throughout Jerusalem.  Their strange errand created excitement among the people, which penetrated to the palace of King Herod.

To be continued tomorrow…

Desire of Ages, p. 59-61