A Hope Fulfilled - Advent DevotionalSample

Jesus was born in Bethlehem (The City of David, Luke 2:4) as the rightful heir to the throne of David. This was good news for everyone except King Herod. When the wise men inquired where the one born “King of the Jews” was located, “Herod became troubled” (Matthew 2:2-3). Why was this the case? Because he was not the rightful heir from the lineage of David, and the newborn King was a threat to his rulership. In response, the Gospel of Matthew reports the following: “Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him’” (Matthew 2:7-8). Of course, Herod’s orders were misleading. His intention was to put an end to, rather than bow before, the newborn King.

But an angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph in a dream warning him about Herod’s murderous intentions (Matthew 2:13). Thankfully, he heeded the warning and with his wife and child fled to Egypt, and, in doing so, saved Jesus’ life (v. 14). Matthew says this happened to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son” (Hosea 2:15, 11:1; Matthew 2:15). Just as God called Israel, His firstborn son from the land of Egypt, He likewise called Jesus, His true Son and first-born King from the land of Egypt after king Herod died (Matthew 2:14-15). In the final analysis, Joseph’s obedience to the angelic dream saved the messianic King from a real-life nightmare.

This story provides two very different perspectives concerning the birth of Jesus. King Herod saw Him as trouble, but the wise men saw Him as treasure. Herod was filled with fear, but the wise men were filled with joy. These wise travelers from the east witnessed the bright star in the sky and “rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” (Matthew 2:10). But when they “saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him” (2:11). May our eyes be opened to see the glory of the one, true King this Advent season.

Prayer

Father, we come before you and thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus. Although we give honor to earthly rulers, we worship and give praise to you for who you are and for the wonderful works of salvation that you have worked on our behalf. This world is fallen, broken, and in desperate need of redemption. We pray that you would call forth your people from Egypt and liberate them from the dominion of sin and darkness. And we pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit all people will see the glory of the one and only Son of God and surrender to His lordship this Advent Season. We pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Scott Adams, D.Min., Ph.D., serves as assistant professor of Biblical Studies & Christian Ministry at the Regent University School of Divinity.