Challenge Central: a CBC devotional
By: Pastor Jeremy Heikkinen
We are so close! Christmas is just four days away!
I don’t know why, but my youngest son has been captivated by the number four lately. Maybe because he just turned four in October. Lately, it has come up multiple times while playing a family game of “Snowman” (formerly known as hangman). When called upon for his guess at a letter, he replies, “four!”
This month, we have been focusing on Matthew’s account of the birth of Jesus in our Sunday services. Last week, Pastor Lars spoke on how God is creative enough to redeem our tears by preaching about Matthew’s account of Herod killing the boys in Bethlehem. This passage is included in the account of the wise men from the East coming to Jerusalem following a star.
In keeping with my son’s theme of “four,” I see four challenges in Matthew 2:1-12 that all start with “S”:
1. A “Star”: After Jesus is born in Bethlehem in the days of Herod, wise men from the East come to Jerusalem looking for the one that was born “king of the Jews” (vs. 1-2). They saw his star, uprooted their lives, reoriented their schedules, put all other ambitions aside, and followed the star in order to find this king. I cannot help but wonder, “What “star” am I following at Christmas?” Is it a possession, person, or desire? What is so important that I am uprooting my life, reorienting my schedule, and laying aside all other ambitions to follow?
2. A “Secret”: When the wise men show up looking for the king of the Jews, the text tells us that Herod was “troubled (fear) and all Jerusalem with him.” This baby was a threat to Herod and his rule. In verse 7, Herod secretly summoned the wise men to see what time the star appeared. It would appear that Herod is interested in worshipping this baby too, but in reality, he wants to get rid of the threat to his throne. I cannot help but ponder, “What desires are fighting for the throne of my heart this Christmas season?”
3. A “Search”: At this point they continue the search. When they see see the star, they “rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” (v. 10). They found what they were looking for and it did not disappoint! Sometimes, on Christmas morning we don’t always get what we were looking for, or it is not the right model, or the right size, etc. I cannot help but ask, “What am I searching for to fulfill me at this time of year? What do I think would bring this level of rejoicing and joy?”
4. A “Saviour”: Verse 11 tells us that when the wise men entered the house, they saw Jesus and fell down and worshipped Him! Imagine that, after all the preparation, the travel, the cost, and the searching they found what they were looking for. The text says, “then, opening their treasuries, they offered him gifts,” (vs. 11). This reminds me of what Jesus will teach in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also.” They found the one worthy of worship! How about you, “To whom will you open the treasuries of your heart to this Christmas?”
In what ways are you challenged by this passage? Is there an “S” challenge at which God is at work in your life? Which one would you like to talk further about with a friend or loved one? I would love to see you on Sunday, but if I don’t see you there, have a Merry Christmas!
