FBC Daily Devotions

Read Matthew 2:1-8, 16-18.

Jesus is said to be “a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” (1 Pet. 2:8) That description is given toward those who do not believe, and certainly that is true of Herod. Interesting is the detail that “all Jerusalem” along with Herod was equally troubled. Why would they be troubled? Probably because it would completely disrupt their lives. Certainly a threat to Herod’s rule would be at the very least inconvenient for Herod. For the people of Jerusalem, they might experience a possible increase in oppression since Jesus would be seen as a Jewish threat.

To what extent did Herod go to eliminate the threat (2:16)?

To consider: Many people go to great lengths to keep the disruption of Jesus from their lives. Can you recall a time when you did the same? What were the results?

The truth of the matter is, the disruption that Jesus brings is meant for our good. It is only until we recognize the goodness of Christ that we will accept that disruption and follow Him. The next time you feel “disrupted” by Christ, avoid the tendency to eliminate the threat, and accept it as good from Him.

To consider: What “interruptions” or “disruptions” have you experienced lately? How have you seen these as the work of God?

Read Luke 2:36-38.

A woman of eighty-four years, perhaps a widow for nearly 60. Devout in her commitment to the Lord, she worshipped night and day, fasting and praying for 60+ years. What dedication and love for God! Imagine witnessing the consecration of the Lord Jesus Christ. Only 40 days old, a baby who looked like any other baby coming through the temple. Day in and day out babies must have paraded through the temple to be dedicated as was required by the Law of Moses. And yet on this day, someone different. The Christ child. In all the days and years that she prayed, this day she recognized something different.

What is so impressive about Anna? She was able to recognize Christ. Worship and prayer being such an integral part of her life enabled her to be sensitive to God’s movement.

To consider: If you struggle sensing God’s presence and movement around you, consider your prayer life. A life of prayer sensitizes us to God’s movement. A life of prayer prepares us to see through the daily routine, and see “Christ among the others” as Anna was able to do.

Read  Luke 2:25-35.

He was up in years, a devout and righteous man, looking for relief for the nation. Never mind that his years were coming to an end – that didn’t seem to damper his passion and desire to see his people free from oppression. And so one day God revealed to Simeon that all he had been hoping and praying for would come to pass in his lifetime. Imagine that – living a lifetime under Roman oppression and seeing freedom at life’s end. Simeon would see the Messiah before departing!

I can imagine that everyday Simeon would wait in great anticipation and expectation for the Messiah to come. Perhaps he would walk into the temple for signs. Maybe he would stand on the high city walls and look over the people within, travelers outside. And while the Scriptures don’t record how long Simeon had to wait, I suspect many days, if not even months and years passed without that promise being fulfilled. And yet, he waited.

To consider: Have you ever had to wait on the Lord for so long that you began to lose hope in anything happening?

One day, the passage says, “he came in the Spirit to the temple” (NAS), and he recognized Jesus as the Messiah and blessed him (2:29-32). Imagine the thrill in his voice!

In Simeon’s joy, his first words reveal almost a sigh of relief – “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.” I like the NAS translation: “Now Lord, Thou dost let Thy bond-servant depart in peace, according to Thy word.” – almost to say, “Finally Lord, I can depart in peace.”

Do you realize that for us today, we can say the same? We can depart this world in peace knowing that Jesus has come and died for our sins, and now an eternity awaits us. We ought never to fear dying, but instead have peace knowing Jesus has given us eternal life.

To consider: Are you afraid to depart this world? Would your departure be a peaceful one if you died today? Our eternity is secure, and that should enable us to breathe a sigh of relief!

What are some truths you learned from last Sunday’s message? How can it make a difference this week?

Last Sunday’s message included Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds from the Christmas story recorded in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. There were others involved in the Christmas story as well. This week we’ll take a look at how they reacted to the coming of Jesus. Would they welcome His birth, or would they feel threatened? Take a look… –Pastor Mike