“When Israel was a child, I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My Son.”
Hosea 11:1 (NKJV)
God gave His parents His name before He was born (Matthew 1:21). Wise men journeyed from distant lands bearing gifts, coming to worship Him (Matthew 2:1-2). Angels sang at His birth, and shepherds left their flock in the fields to see this wonder of a child born in a manger (Luke 2:13-16, Psalm 72:9-10).
Everyone, however, was not rejoicing. Herod was king, and having heard of a king being born in Bethlehem, was deeply disturbed. Pretending to want to honour the new king, he entreated the wise men who had journeyed with gifts to bring back word to him when they found the child. After some time had passed and they had not returned, he became enraged and gave orders for all children two years old and under to be slaughtered (Matthew 2:16). This is how he intended to eliminate the perceived threat of another king coming to unseat him. But Joseph was warned by God in a dream and fled with the young child and his mother into Egypt, where he remained until the death of Herod.
God’s redemption plan for mankind was in place long before we even graced this earth. He knew sin would enter and separate us and sent the Saviour, Jesus, His Son, Who was and still is the answer. He, Who would still the raging storm by His very utterance, is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
What Manner of Man is This?
Read: Jeremiah 31:15; Luke 2:22-40
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 139:1-10; 1 John 5; Daniel 11:36-45; Daniel 12
