Matthew 2
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 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.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
13 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.
14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: 15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
POINT 1:
The Wise Men removed their eyes from the Star – We don’t know why the Wise Men removed their eyes from the star but clearly they didn’t follow the star anymore when they went to Jerusalem. The star would have lead them all the way to the Lord Jesus, for afterwards when they saw the star again they were exceedingly glad and it lead them to where the baby was. Maybe they thought that they knew the way when they got close so they didn’t need the star anymore. Whatever the reason, they took their eyes off the star and went to Herod to ask where the King was to be born. This mistake caused much bloodshed and hardship to many.
Similarly we must ask ourselves why do we sometimes take our eyes off the Star. We should get nearer to the Star, not further away. The Star should be clearer to us instead of fading away. It is a danger to remove your eyes off the Star – whether it is the glory / glitter of this world, or other attractions, or because you think you know enough – woe to you if you remove your eyes off the Star. You might think it is a small mistake to remove your eyes from Him, but you don’t know how many people will die if you do that. Be obedient to the Lord always. If not, it will result in much weeping for others. The Lord might say, “Preach the Gospel!” but you don’t. Many will go to hell because you didn’t obey the Lord and you will burn in hell with them, hearing their weeping. Their blood will be on your hands.
POINT 2:
Herod was upset about Jesus’ birth – No one should be troubled at His birth, but rejoice greatly. However there are many people who are troubled at His birth for they are children of hell.
For your own sake, and for the sake of many people whose blood will be required from you because you didn’t obey, obey God at all cost and rejoice in His message. Herod should have rejoiced for it was his Saviour that came, it was The Christ. Don’t be a fool like Herod, who is troubled at His birth but welcome Him into your life.
POINT 3:
Joseph’s obedience – Joseph was an amazing man. When God spoke to him in a dream he didn’t wait till the morning but got up immediately with his wife and the Child and fled to Egypt as he was told. His obedience saved the life of the Child whom Herod sought to kill.
Our obedience or disobedience to God have far-reaching consequences, not just to ourselves but also to those around us.
POINT 4:
Flee lest the Child in you is killed – There are many people in this world who have accepted Christ and followed Him, but today they are backslidden. They no longer follow Christ. They have turned away from Him and have lost their first love. They were disobedient when God spoke to them and so they have allowed Herod – sin – to enter and kill Jesus in their lives.
The Bible speaks of many things that we have to flee from:
4.1 Flee from lust: 1 Tim 6:11 – “You, man of God, flee from these things.” We also read in 2Tim 2:22 that we must flee from the desires of youth. Many people who once had a relationship with Jesus are spiritually dead today because they didn’t flee from lust.
A certain person complained that he couldn’t get free from alcohol, but he continually visited bars. No, you must flee mentally and physically from those things that cause you to sin.
Others have problems with lustful thoughts but continually visit the internet and read worldly magazines. Rather throw your internet tools and magazines in the fire lest you burn in the fire.
4.2 Flee from slander – Jesus cannot live in the life of someone who slanders. If someone sins, go and speak to him. If he doesn’t listen, the Bible teaches us to take 2 or 3 witnesses and speak to him, but never speak behind his back.
4.3 Flee from the love of money – The love of money destroys the Lord’s work in Africa. Many pastors demand money for their participation in meetings. They demand money if they lead the singing etc. Jesus said that no one can serve God and mammon (money).
1 Timothy 6
1 Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.
2 And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,
4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,
5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.
Examine yourself in the light of this message whether Jesus is still alive in your life. Obey the Lord when He speaks to you. Fix your eyes on the Star.