Daily Scripture Threshing for Friday, December 20, 2024
Today's Text: Matthew 2:1-18
Key Verse: Matthew 2:16 (KJV): "Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men."
The birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was not greeted with the fun/fanfare and celebration such as today's, or such that one would expect. Instead, it was marked by chaos, violence, and bloodshed. Perhaps, this is a part of Christmas we hate to talk about. Herod, the king of Judea, was consumed by jealousy and fear when he learned of the birth of Jesus, whom he perceived as a threat to his power. Rather than an attitude of welcome and reverence, his reaction was extreme and brutal. He ordered the massacre of all male children in Bethlehem and its surrounding areas, hoping to eliminate the perceived threat to his throne. This horrific event is often referred to as the "Massacre of the Innocents."
The chaos that greeted the birth of Christ reveals that He came to identify with us amid life's darkest moment, violence, persecution against innocent people, injustice, inequality in our societies, fear and division that lead to conflict and harm. Beside the anger of Herod, the town innwhich he was born was already chaotic. People from all over had unusually flooded back into Bethlehem to be counted for the census due to the decree of Caesar Augustus. Many of them had traveled long distances; there were no enough inns for people to sleep and probably not enough food to eat. He came at such a time He is needed most. He is our peace in the midst of chaos. Abd, as followers of Christ, we are also called to be agents of peace and love in the midst of chaos. We are called to identify with and support victims of violence and persecution. We are also reminded to share messages of hope and love by every means and ways to counteract chaos, negativity and division
Because despite the chaos and violence that surrounded His birth, Jesus Christ came to bring light, love, and redemption to a world in darkness. His birth marked the beginning of a new era of hope and salvation. As we reflect on the chaos that greeted the birth of Christ, let us remember that Jesus came to bring peace and reconciliation to a world torn apart by sin and violence. Let us be age ts of peace. Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Let us seek to follow His example and be agents of peace and love in our own world.
Action Steps: Reflect on the ways in which chaos and violence still affect our world today. Ask God to help you be an agent of peace and love in the midst of chaos. Pray for those who are affected by violence and persecution, that they may know God's peace and protection.
Quote for the Day: "Jesus is the hope for a world in darkness. He has chosen us to follow His example and be agents of peace and love in our own world." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ to bring light, love, and redemption to a world in darkness. Help us to follow His example and be agents of peace and love in our own world. Protect and comfort those who are affected by violence and persecution. May Your peace and love reign supreme in our hearts and in our world — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.
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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 2:1-20; and Revelation 12:1-6.
Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide written for free distribution and edification of churches, homes, and individuals. For inquiries, free counseling, or deliverance, please, write or visit: The Darling Bishop, 2321 S Beltline Rd Suite 144 Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA.
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With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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