It was quite a sight to see three magi entering Jerusalem, with but one
purpose: "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw
his star when it rose and have come to worship him." (Matt 2:2, NIV2)
Everyone in Jerusalem were puzzled. A newborn king? What are they
talking about? Everyone in Jerusalem, and especially King Herod, was
disturbed by this news. King Herod asked where the Messiah would be
born. The Bible scholars answered without any doubt: "'In Bethlehem in
Judea,' they replied, 'for this is what the prophet has written: 'But
you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the
rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my
people Israel.'" (Matt 2:5-6, NIV2)
King Herod secretly met with
these magi, trying to find out when they saw that star in heaven. He
seemed genuine and interested. He had but one request for them: "Go and
search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me,
so that I too may go and worship him." (Matt 2:8, NIV2) However, his
intentions were far from doing what was good in the eyes of the Lord. He
wanted to kill that newborn king. He didn't want any competition.
The magi never came back to Jerusalem, for someone Higher than King
Herod was guiding them: "And having been warned in a dream not to go
back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route." (Matt
2:12, NIV2) His murderous intentions were checkmated by the Almighty
King of the universe. After all, our Heavenly Father is in control.
Instead of ending in tribulation, it all ended up in jubilation!
Admiral Wilhelm Canary also lived in tumultuous times. Unlike King
Herod, he wanted to save people persecuted by the Nazis. Being the chief
of the German Intelligence during World War II, his goal was not to
support Hitler, but to defeat Nazism. He had in his possession damaging
evidence against Himmler, and thus, Himmler had no choice but to protect
him.
Just like the magi disobeyed Herod, Canaris would do
anything to oppose Hitler. He saved hundreds of Jews, even preventing
the killing of captured French officers in Tunisia.
His best
friends were his dogs and his horse. Once he said to an officer named
Schellenberg: "My dogs will never betray me. I can't say that of human
beings."
He even plotted against Hitler and eventually he was
arrested and hanged.
To the hundreds of Jews and French officers
in Tunisia that he saved, however, he was a hero. He could have hurt the
Allies big time; but instead, he wanted this despotism in Germany to end
so that the people woukd be freed from hardship.
Herod was a
murderer; Canaris by contrast, wanted to save people. Are we willing to
save people as well? There are so many among us who don't even know the
liberating message from this new born King, born in Bethlehem. Are we
willing to share with them? There is no better opportunity than during
this Christmas season.
Rob Chaffart
Reaching Out to the Hopeless. In the Deepest Darkness. Amidst Tribulation: Jubilation, Part 2
Today's Bible Verse:
"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his
star when it rose and have come to worship him." (Matt 2:2)
Reaching Out to the Hopeless. In the Deepest Darkness. Amidst Tribulation: Jubilation, Part 2
Announcement:
Would you like to make a difference in the world? Why not join the Answers2Prayer team? We have many volunteer positions available. By joining in, you can help in carrying out the Great Commission: Matt 28:18-20 "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
The time is right and we are in need of many laborers. Matt 9:37-38 "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
If compelled by God, let us know.
Rob Chaffart
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