The Daily Fountain Devotional Friday, December 23, 2022
The Daily Fountain Devotional Friday, December 23, 2022
Friday, December 23,2022
TOPIC: HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO JESUS?
TEXT: Matthew 2:1-15
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.
The Daily Fountain Devotional Friday, December 23, 2022
INTRODUCTION TEXT
When Jesus was born, people responded to His birth differently. King Herod responded with anger and rejection, considering Jesus the Messiah, a rival that should not be tolerated. The chief priests and teachers of the law had it all in their heads. They answered Herod as regards where Jesus was born but that was all for them. They showed no concern as it meant nothing to them. The Magi from the East journeyed by faith - risking their lives to find out about Jesus. When they saw Him, they accepted Him and demonstrated that by sacrificial worship. They never remained the same. Their way of life (path) was changed.
How do you respond to Jesus Christ today? Is it with rejection, head without heart knowledge, apathy or acceptance? How do you respond to His loving kindness that surrounds you? If you respond to Jesus by accepting and worshipping Him as Lord and Saviour, your life will never remain the same. He will set you on a journey of faith which will inevitably involve risk and vulnerability but which will lead you to spending eternity with Him.
Prayer: Lord, help me cling to You, inspiring me by Your Spirit to journey with You all through my life, amen.