PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 2:13-18
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled…” (Matthew 2:17)
It is interesting to read the original quotes that Matthew says were fulfilled.
The quote by Hosea is about how how God rescued his people Israel from Egypt (Hosea 11).
The quote by Jeremiah refers the to when the children of Israel were taken into exile.
But it comes in a promise that God will rescue and restore his people (Jeremiah 31).
Neither of these quotes is speaking about Jesus, and yet somehow he fulfills them.
Jesus is a part of Israel’s story, and so his coming ties it all together.
Jesus is the fulfillment to EVERY hint of hope in the Jewish bible.
Jesus is the best version of EVERY hero and leader in the Jewish history.
In a sense, Jesus is Israel itself, the key to the blessing of the nations (Genesis 12:2-3).
Sin and death are brutal (Rachel still weeps), but God won’t let Satan (Herod) win!
As a Jesus follower, Jesus is how my whole story fits together too.
When I am struggling in life, uncertain or discouraged, I see myself in Jesus.
He fulfills my life, leading me through life and death to new life again!
Do you see the pieces of your life somehow revealing Jesus, and your victory in him?
PRAYER
Lord, you are the fulfillment of all my hopes and needs as well. Help me to cling to this, even in seasons when it is really hard, even when the tears are flowing.
The prophecies of old – written before Jesus was born are realized – testifying to the truth of the scriptures – verifying that this special child whom the Magi from the east had come to honour – is the Messiah. And Herod, and I’m thinking Satan is plotting behind this, gets furious because the Magi ‘outwit’ him – but we know its God that steers the Magi to leave the country and not go back to Jerusalem. Does God intervene today – working through persons – whether believers or not – to sway events – I believe so – its not just coincidence in my experience. I can look back and see how God guided events – even difficult ones – and yet there are many events that we see as tragic – and of course we may ask where was God in all this. Yet I know He cares and He cares about me – His HS reassures me and helps me walk each day!
As the Lord God lead His people long ago, He continues to lead them. Joseph was open upon hearing the Word of the Lord so that His will be done. He was Spirit led. And the Word of the Lord was accomplished. I too need to hear His Word leading me and guiding me daily so that His will be done in my life – serving Him – living for Jesus. And though the wrong oft seems so strong God is still in charge and I need to follow Him.
This is my Father’s world:
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!