#2 The Escape! - The Book of Matthew Chapter 2. A Reflection by A.O. Brown. 3/22/21.

Image source: https://myocn.net/prepare-way-lord-thankful-heart/


(Your invited to read: Matthew 2 - “The Flight into Egypt” and “911 A Harsh reality.” page 81. Book “Encounters and Reflections - Can you hear me now?” A.O. Brown, Author)


At the beginning of Matthew, Chapter Two, the wise men show up in Jerusalem and want to determine where Jesus is.  They want to know where Jesus, born the King of the Jews, can be found. This pilgrimage by the wise men is often depicted in a somewhat glamorous way on Christmas cards and in songs.  It was a triumphant time and a  significant tribute was made to Jesus both on earth and in heaven.  It was also a most awful and terrifying time for Jewish families and for mankind as a whole.


“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?  For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”  Matthew 2 v 2.


This inquiry reached Herod, the current earthly King, in Jerusalem and he was deeply disturbed.  Distinguished men arrived in his territory, not looking for him but for the King of the Jews, under his jurisdiction.  Their appearance also signified the completion of prophecy.  The birth of Jesus the Messiah was written about and predicted in scripture.


“And you, Bethlehem...because out of you will come a leader who will shepherd My people Israel.”                                                                                                                                                                                         Matthew 2   v 6.


How does a leader respond when there are predictions of another being prepared to replace them?  King Saul sought to kill King David, spurred on by an evil spirit the Lord gave him, Saul was blinded by jealousy.  Herod’s reaction in a similar manner was fueled by jealousy and much more.  Power and control, both natural and spiritual, the heart of the battle between evil intent and the Lord’s will.
  
In Revelations 12, the spiritual warfare taking place between Jesus and Herod is mirrored in the warfare taking place in this vision. A vision that depicts the battle between Good or God’s will and that of the opposing evil and fallen angels.


“And the dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she did give birth he might devour her child.  But she gave birth to a Son -  a male who is going to shepherd all nations with an iron scepter and her child was caught up to God and His throne.”  Revelations 12 v 4-v5.


Joseph, warned in a dream, flees to Egypt with Jesus and Mary, however, Herod makes a murderous decree to kill all male children under the age of two in and around Bethlehem.   Lord have mercy.  Can one truly image this horror?  yet God allowed it.  I imagine hundreds of babies and toddlers were murdered.  Physical, emotional and spiritual death took place in every situation.  Evil appeared to have the last word, however, a greater good was established and was not thwarted.


“ A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping , and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; and she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.”


There are so many situations we know of or have even experienced that are beyond our comprehension.  Around the world, mothers have cried for children lost in senseless wars, lost to starvation, lost to kidnappers, lost to disease, lost to gang warfare, lost to police discrimination, lost  before their time.  Only the healing God provides will ever be able to console them.


The good news is this, the Lord has a plan that supersedes the greatest evil.  Jesus was sent to reconcile all people to the Creator, God.  No evil in the past, present or future can stop the plan, the plan to prosper us all.


“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29 v 11.

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