Responding Well to the Scriptures About the Lord as King

by Mitchell Tan
February 03, 2022

BEING GUIDED BY THE SCRIPTURES

It is indeed wonderful to see the faith of the wise men in seeking for the Lord Jesus. They saw Him as One who was born the divine King of the Jews. They understood clearly and without a doubt that He is the eternal Messianic King; not just for the Jews but for the Gentiles too. When Herod the king asked the chief priests and scribes where the Christ would be born, this was their answer.

“So they said to him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:
“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.”’”
Matthew 2:5-6

1. BEING GUIDED BY THE GREAT AUTHORITY OF THE SCRIPTURES

The birthplace of the Christ was prophesied by Micah the prophet to be at Bethlehem. Even though this was written hundreds of years before Christ’s actual birth, the authority of the Scriptures continues to be effectual. Its authority still stands.

2. BEING GUIDED TO A GREATER APPRECIATION OF THE LORD JESUS

This quotation revealed to the wise men the kind of king that the Lord Jesus would be. He would be One that would have humble beginnings. He would be born in a town that was considered the least among the whole region. Out of Bethlehem will come forth a great King. The Lord Jesus will be a Ruler who will lead God’s people by example. He will go before them and show them the way to go. Furthermore, the Lord Jesus will be a loving Shepherd King. He would love and care for His people. This would be in line with what was stated in Isaiah (Isaiah 40:10-11). The Lord would rule with tremendous strength. He would shepherd His people with gentleness and love.

DIFFERENT RESPONSES TO THE SCRIPTURES

1. THE LACK OF RESPONSE FROM THE CHIEF PRIEST AND SCRIBES

When they were asked by Herod concerning where the Christ would be born, they were able to give an answer. He would be born in Bethlehem according to Micah 5:2. They had knowledge about the Messiah and yet they did not have faith in Him. They did not do anything to look for the Christ. Even though they quoted from the Scriptures concerning His birthplace, they were not affected by it at all. This was only theoretical to them.

2. THE NEGATIVE RESPONSE OF KING HEROD

When King Herod heard about the birth of Jesus, his response was most negative. He was deeply troubled by it. He deviously wanted to find out where the Christ would be so that he could kill Him.

3. THE POSITIVE RESPONSE OF THE WISE MEN

The wise men responded well to the Scriptures. It showed them where the Christ Child would be. They sought the Lord Jesus with great joy and to worship Him. There was that faith and determination to follow through in finding the Lord Jesus.

PERSONAL APPLICATION

1. FOR SEEKERS

How we respond to the word of God is crucial. There could be a lack of response on our part because we only have a theoretical understanding of the word of God and the Lord Jesus. Another response is that we could be negative towards the guidance from the truth of His word. It would be good to seek to discover more of the Lord and to respond well to Him and His word with faith.

2. FOR BELIEVERS

As we enter into the Lunar New Year, let’s be thankful that we have the word of God to guide us in life. Let’s learn to respond well to the Scriptures with faith and humility as we listen to it each week. Let’s also learn to relate to the Lord Jesus as our Shepherd King. He will lead us in all things as we seek His guidance to face the challenges of 2022.

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