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by Sandy Shaw
In Matthew Chapter 2verses 13to 23 – The wise men have left Bethlehem and are making their back to their home country.
Remember what has happened – Zechariah had a visitation from an angel – so did Mary with the news that she would give birth to Jesus Christ – and when Joseph was wondering what to do, an angel explains what exactly is going on – God is at work.
Some months later angels appear to shepherds in that field a mile or so to the southeast of Bethlehem – and now a year or so later – an angel appears to Joseph telling him to escape to Egypt.
There were around one million Jews in Alexandria in Egypt, and it was the nearest country out of Herod’s rule.
Hosea had prophesied – Out of Egypt I called my son . Prophecy has to be fulfilled.
Revelation and Provision and Safety come step by step – it normally does – and we can expect that in 2026.
Back in Jerusalem – the storm clouds are gathering – we see Herod with a black face and black heart preparing black deeds. Herod was a half Jew and half Edomite. He was an efficient governor of Judea – but ruthless and cruel – he was chosen by the Romans, and not the Jews.
Herod was multi-religious – multi-faith – this always causes serious problems.
As well as providing generous funds for the restoration work of the Temple in Jerusalem, Herod also built temples to Roman gods.
He was a murderer – and so insecure, that he could not stand the possibility of a rival King. This is one reason why he reacted as he did, and Herod attempts to destroy the Christ Child – now about to go on his way to safety in Egypt.
Some men will go to great lengths to keep Jesus Christ out, and if you seek to destroy Jesus you destroy others along the way.
Matthew is reminded of words from Jeremiah 31verse 15 – Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin. You can still visit Rachel’s tomb today – halfway between Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
Verse 19 – An angel appears to Joseph informing him that Herod is dead. Bethlehem to Egypt to Nazareth – as Joseph protects Jesus. After the slaughter of these children Herod must have thought he was now safe – but now Herod is dead, and Jesus is very much alive.
Many have tried to wipe out Jesus and his disciples and followers – but through the cross – and years of persecution – the Church of Jesus Christ goes on to victory.
If you want to experience victory – you have to be involved in battles!
There are times when God gives light and reveals what He is doing and says to the world – NOW TAKE A GOOD LOOK – and there are seasons when God hides what He is doing.
Only committed ‘born again’ disciples of Jesus Christ can accept what we read of in Matthew Chapter 2. God the Father protects His own Son and allows these children to be killed.
One day the greatest innocent was going to face the greatest suffering – to achieve his holy and perfect purposes – willingly sacrificing his life on the cross – offering forgiveness – and saving men from sin and sins.
Do you see here how the plans of believers often face serious obstacles?
These wise men believe a King has been born – they know who he is – the king of the Jews. And now the world is facing this reality. It does not go away.
The predicaments facing believers never surprise God – they had no idea what was about to happen – a ghastly pogrom was about to explode.
One other lesson – the pathway on which God leads believers is often different from what they expected.
As we face 2026 – it is good to pause and think and consider – we see wise men prepared to go all the way – to come and worship and give.
We see a Herod – who hears of a rival king. Is Jesus Christ a rival to some things we may want to hold onto. There are many Herod’s around today.
We see Joseph – when God speaks, he gets up and goes and does whatever God tells him to do – protecting Jesus.
We see Mary – so willing and so obedient to co-operate with God.
All this happens to get people to know that Jesus Christ is Saviour and Lord.
We trust this same living loving God to lead and to guide – in all sorts of ways.
As you remain faithful, you will find Him faithful.
“Almighty God – as we move on in 2026, hear us as we pray for Your chosen people Israel. We see how, from the days of Moses, attempts have been made to wipe out the Hebrew people – even Herod hoped to kill and so silence Jesus. We ask You to be with us in the battle – whatever 2026 holds. We pray for embattled people all around our world – for the hungry – the suffering – those persecuted. Hear us too as we pray for our families – and for our own lives and ministries, in Jesus’ Name.” Amen.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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