Matthew chapter 2: verses 4-6 (NLT Translation)
He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “where is the Messiah supposed to be born?“
“In Bethlehem in Judea”, they said, ” for this is what the prophet wrote: ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah,
are not least among the ruling cities of Judah,
for a ruler will come from you who will be a shepherd of my people Israel.’
The priests and teachers knew their scriptures well, but there’s no sign that they went to Bethlehem themselves to find the Messiah after they heard what the wise men said. Instead, it was Herod who acted, hoping that his awful evasive actions would save his grip on authority and power.
Perhaps they were afraid of Herod for they never stood up for the innocent children that he ordered should be killed and they didn’t go to find the Christ. It’s not enough to know what God’s word says if we don’t act on it ourselves, is it? We should act on it even if our knees are knocking – which mine usually are!
Dear Father God,
Please help me to be a do-er as well as a hearer of Your word, trusting that you will give me the strength and courage to do what it says.
I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.