Life from this hour being made whole in his power

In the Days of the Fathers

02/24/2025
Matthew 2 – In the Days of the Fathers


Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,


Straight up front and center now, God is dealing with some of your house parents once again. Perhaps it’s not the most popular thing in your book and maybe you don’t even like it at first. Though, when it’s all considered really and truly, the same God who’s commanded all the other kingdoms and regions as if they were nothing has come to your house once again. See, it’s all fine, well, and good when it’s other people’s houses that are in need of a troubling, isn’t it, but what about when it’s come to your own very much rather. There’s just a couple things here you should get from the text. In sum, it’s all about a journey as the wise men who’ve gone to see the Great King. Though if you remember, as these also should really, from whence they have fallen as Revelation would point out with Christ and his churches, it’s not too far a leap from there on back home once again. It’s almost like the story of the Prodigal Son isn’t it, although very much worked out in a real life sort of drama. The wise men are something to note, as sort of a king would have been in their land. In this case, they’re like the daddys of the people come from afar. It’s really something isn’t it, that these who started out as exiles in the land with either the Northern or Southern tribes of the kingdom and from there a bringing division, should find their way back once again. They’d fallen if you too remember all of the Scripture, for their worship of the other gods they’d made, the wood, stone, brass, and all sorts of idols. In fact, some of them had even developed a strong liking for themselves in particular. Basically, there’s a king in the land now in their place. He’s Herod, which may or may not be from that area strictly as speaking. Either way, it’s a stranger to what they’re now entitled to by right and by place as kings from afar who’d lost all the rights to their throne. This other kind is now the daddy of a far off land and strange sort of people, who may or may not even be his to claim as much as these possibly could. You got it so far? All that’s set-up for something wonderful still to happen. Just you wait and you see.


Witness of Stars


2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.


There’s a star that brought them in to see the Great King. It’s a funny thing really, this thing in the text. They’d come because a star brought them in and in their studies it foretold that they’d see a Great King. At this point in time, I’m sure they hadn’t yet connected it with Jesus Messiah, or had they? Certainly not as much as the rest should’ve been, which is why the chief priests and elders all got called to witness this thing in the temple. It’s enough really and truly to make anyone wonder. I’m sure we don’t need to go on any further, cause when in comes to the stars, really, that’s the heart of the matter. In Psalms David says the Lord leads them across the sky and knows them all by name. It’s no wonder really that a star should come in bearing his person or at least a witness to his power and glory. Perhaps you don’t know how to read them just yet and once again, I’m sure you won’t need to. The Heavens it seems aren’t just static but constantly changing. One of the judgments in Revelation for sure is that the stars also will fall from Heaven and the powers thereof will be shaken. It’s speaking very much of the shaking-up that comes just before his appearing. Perhaps it’s been through all of history as each star represents an angel for sure. That’s just to say it’s mere speculation. You really should be more engaged in learning the Scripture though that much for certain and let the Lord take charge of his duties as it’s his place very much rather. The singular thing here for your focus is that the Lord knows how to speak each his own language. That way, as Paul says, all will have heard for they will be without excuse concerning the Lord. The thing about the signs and wonders and each his own language though is that the witness is always meant in general to point back to God and his Scriptures. If it doesn’t do each of these missions, it’s most likely not then of him.


Witness of Sages


5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.


They’d forgotten their place alright in the ages but had just enough faith for the question when put to the prophets to ask what would happen. Basically, that means God not only spoke their own language, but these astrologers also searched all the Scriptures. Somehow, they’d had record of the prophets and the Scriptures, some of them anyway, that would’ve been found in the temple traditionally kept around their own people. That can only mean one or two things of a sort, and I’m afraid that Herod isn’t liking the report. Where God calls and sends you to, can’t nobody stop you on the journey. Can’t nobody keep you where you are going. Though, the journey in reality wasn’t about their own self worth as the wise men or even their own individual identity. It’ could’ve been though as Paul had said the Lord has put these things into the hearts of all men so that they might rather seek unto him their Creator and Lord. The governor for sure was more than just a ruler as the prophets had so astutely pointed out. See, when Christ gives the prophets to witness, he also gives an understanding of them much rather. Being made unto us wisdom, he’s the vision and interpretation thereof all by itself. The Governor it seemed had already come to the own hearts and lives then much rather. Except for Herod and all Jerusalem with him who hadn’t understood then a word. That’s why as Paul says the wisdom of this world so often seems as foolishness towards them of the wise that no flesh might boast in his presence and the whole world would be found guilty before God. (Might stand). Christ you see hadn’t come to start a revolution though that’s very much what had happened just one that had preceded on inside. As you’ll soon see, it’s affecting the hearts and lives of the men. Perhaps their identities might’ve been lost for a time but they very much mattered to him. A lot of people like to say that Herod was especially crafty with what he had did. Though when it comes on down to it, Herod isn’t hardly the focus but rather his own process disorder. God it seems isn’t fooled, or as the text so often said, “Be not deceived, God is not mocked, whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap.” Herod, it seems, was in the habit of playing some games with the Lord and a game is just what he’d get in the end. God knows them that are his, being the Governor so that he is. Herod it seems was just tempting the Savior at this point very much rather, in sport or in jest as to whether or not he would worship him rather.


Witness of Dreams


10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.


The Lord also it seemed had governed the star that appeared, guiding it’s message, conduct, and behavior much rather until the time came for their seeing the Savior and this whole time that’s who the focus has been on once again. It’s not hardly on Mary or Joseph, some shepherds, wise men, flocks, herds, or maybe even the angels though all these are nice well and wonderful. At the same time, there’s the singular issue for idolatry to creep up as them that have come unto the house of the Lord. Certain religions it seems, and all sorts of false teachings have one thing in common, the worship of idols, things created by man along with other certain foolish inventions. That’s why Mary isn’t but flesh and blood as it seems, with only one or two lines allotted to her in the Scripture. Worshiping her place as though something wonderful of her had just come into being, is quite like worshiping the star just for it’s having appeared once again. I mean, every day, there’s hundreds of millions of stars and even fewer still when it comes to the end. Though it’s his place, and as such should very much be regarded with care at this time. Thusly the only thing reading the book of the ages had better be him at this junction. Mary I’m sure hadn’t done anything especially wonderful besides of all things her simply being a sinner. Though I suppose, there’s hope for us all that the wise men who believed in something other than him should somehow at this time be led in to see the Great King. Thus, the story isn’t about how good and faithful one is rather but that the Father has now come to the chiefest of sinners. He came to the virgin he came to the scribe, he came to the scholars, the wise. He came for the unbelieving, the basest of men, and them that had not much time left in the end. Mostly importantly though he came for the you and for me. A lot of scholars like to point out the witness of the gold, frankincense, and myrrh as though all those are just what it’s about in the end. Though I’m sure those things certainly are important in having a future and necessary for current survival, the Lord in his goodness had not ceased from providing much rather. Does anybody know he’s good to all men. Here he watched out especially for these wise men where their warning from God came in a dream. Even the dream, told of his power and glory with hope it had seemed found contained in the Lord. Perhaps it wasn’t worth calling church yet in the bargain though for sure, it would be concerning the Lord. He’d just gave them a hope and a future and in so doing had protected his people. Sure he might not have been their first love at that time, but following God as with all things found this balance restored with it their memories rather and even their place in the kingdom. They might not have needed to know their true worth or their place yet at that moment, but God in his plan had all that in mind. In fact, it’s very reminiscent of back in the Covenant in the times of the people’s wandering around in the land how that in all that God had led them through with his mighty hand. They had but a cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. In that his presence still was intact. God spoke as out of a mountain unseen with voices and thunders, with signs and much wonders and all he required was the people’s obedience and faith there in the matter. Maybe speaking of the faith of the Wise men isn’t where we should be going thus far. Doubtless though, as far as faith was concerned much as the forefather Abraham also had occasion to give an example, they believed God and it was counted unto them for righteousness. It’s all of his own, isn’t it, and not ours once again.

13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

16 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.

It seems, God's power 's the same whether these have been called unto Egypt or no or just hereby furnished with bread for the journey. I mean, the gold went a mighty long way when all of the region had just slaughtered a child, particularly one as supernatural as the own precious Father in Heaven. Sure, it's not the Father but rather the Son which we'd speak of or so on from there once again. Still though, it's much the same sort of thing for oneness with God and the Father isn't all that it seems. In fact, there's no better record than that of himself in John that's instead just to tell of the matter. Though very much, the witness himself in the matter. Herod here had just had one unfortunate run in with him, as his spirit was so being disobedient which later spread out from there into what had been done to the people. It should've been no surprise really when it had been his all along. In fact, Egypt would soon be but a far distant memory in the light of his glory.

Witness of Vengeance

17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying,

18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

Here we are though just witnessed again. Have you ever wondered how often that our Lord had called his disciples only to appoint them his witnesses unto all Judea, Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth. Certainly, he had done for them as the prophets before them once found being as faithful so as almost as good as his Word. Surely though the timelines just as the words and the message are all in his hands. It makes no sense at this particular juncture to have such fulfilled. However, the prophecy of Rachel weeping for her children was one surely to have been repeated down through the ages. It's almost a funny thing really though when Rachel died in child-birthing rather. So then at this time, should appear as one who is dead but not really having appeared from beyond as a mere spector or ghost would much rather. I know, our God can bring life from the grave and healing from pain. Though to so many, death is hardly the singular separating force it would seem. Rather, it's merely but a bridge we'd pass over to get to the other side and so for mortality to put on life once again. The funny thing really still the question remains as to whether Rachel is dead or just that of her children. Although for sure as some would often say this stuff about purgatory is just not of the Lord. For certain, it's nowhere in Scripture with the other side being referred to quite simply as Abraham's bosom. Though if Rachel has not quite been allowed to return, as Paul would say on much later, there remains the story of the rich man and of Lazarus to lighten the journey. Perhaps that's a much more accurate accounting of what the other side should actually be. Far cry really from those many mansion the Lord had been constructing way up there for his people. Though regardless, it's still very clear that things aren't all as they seemed. You know the most interesting thing to note in the text is the technical possession of things that aren't hers once again. How many of you know that the children and people aren't hers but rather the Lords. They were his to maintain and even so to bring them home safely again. In all that had happened, the Lord used this man and his schemes even so to further his Word. The prophets got it right time and a again for the good Lord was hardly in the business of misleading his people. Still he protects them too very much rather and suffers not a mismanagement to happen. Herod it seemed wished only to go and worship the Lord and how many of you know that's exactly what he would do in the end. Whether he'd stand before God as his judge or ultimate ruler was up for him to determine. Though here comes the angel to Joseph, now the man of the house and oh how the Lord God has straightened the fathers back out. He came straight for the head of the family who'd by this point taken Mary his wife on the journey, of that I'm almost certain giving their relative placement as under submission. Regardless, the Lord had taken care of the enemies both real and imagined, and like the star that had appeared very much earlier the angel also appeared with his message without anything more than a thus saith the Lord. Isn't it wonderful though all the Lord God's care for his children.

Witness Eternal

21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.

22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:

23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

Though things haven't been straightened out as much as they should time and again for the sins of the fathers had gotten passed on back down to the sons. Herod's son Archelaus now occupied the same space of his father much rather and I'm sure as far as sin goes and also generational bondage and traumas, that wouldn't have been a pretty sight to consider. It seems the Spirit of God as the governor would bring wisdom time and again. At this point, it's come directly to Joseph as one that believed him in dreams. Funny thing really to have recognized the voice of God from all else that would wonder. It's almost as John says how that his sheep know his voice, hear him, and so on absolutely must follow. Joseph at this point has gotten nothing more than the overwhelming driving of God. It's led him past anything before that was thought possible straight on into Galilee proper where it would later be hissed as a byword on the street much rather that nothing good ever came forth from that land. It seems our God had been at last sent to his people and not to the halls of the rich, with their overwhelming treasures and reaches with wanting for nothing not even the street. Rather he came for the sinner, the outcast, the nobody, those down on their luck, the fallen, the obedient, and them that would serve him time and again as the ages would have it the faithful of men. God's got everything in control down to the slightest detail with it all quite nearly considered. If he didn't, he's got a few course corrections to make sure all the prophecies line up just neatly as though merely a witness to his power and his glory. What a God as this you might wonder that has come and even now is rewriting the stories, the hearts and lives of all men. It need hardly be said really that God is the same time and again.