PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 2

What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?

“King Herod… was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.” (Matthew 2:3)
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” (Matthew 2:10)
I get that King Herod was disturbed, but all Jerusalem with him?
All Jerusalem included the chief priests and the teachers of the law.
They knew where the Messiah was to be born, but were not overjoyed.
Meanwhile, these pagan non-Jews, worshippers of stars, are overjoyed.
Is there a parallel today between a long time and a new believer?
Having believed all my life, do I take what I believe for granted?
Have I settled into a spiritual mediocrity, maybe even indifference?
Do I hear the message so often, it does not fill me with joy?
Or does the message of Jesus disturb me, and challenge my own ‘throne’?
Jesus wants to change my life, to make me more like him.
Does this thought fill me with joy, or does it disturb me with what that means?
Is Jesus and his message the reason for my joy this Christmas season?
Am I seeking Jesus with the same joy and longing as the Magi?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, may the wonder of who you are and what you did and taught so fill me with joy that even though it may be disturbing, I seek you with the same longing as the Magi.