NOV 2

Matthew 2:2

Memorise Isaiah 32:1

“Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness…”

IS CHRIST KING OF YOUR LIFE?

In days gone by, to acknowledge someone as king is to acknowledge his lordship. It means that you regard him as the lord and master over your life, and you submit to his authority, dominion and power.

In Matthew 2:2 we see that the wise men from the East knew about the birth of the King and came from afar to worship Jesus. This is in contrast to the reaction of king Herod, who also received news of the one who was born as the King of the Jews. However, instead reacting with joy and having a desire to worship and adore Jesus, he felt threatened and plotted to have Jesus killed while under the pretence of wanting to find Jesus to worship Him.

The very fact that King Herod reacted in such a manner in having every baby boy from 2 years old and under killed showed that the possibility that Jesus might truly be the King of the Jews was a plausible one to him. He was threatened by Jesus and wanted to protect his own selfish interests. Therefore, his reaction to the news of Christ’s birth, far from one of joy, was one of aggression, violence and hostility instead (Matthew 2:3-16).

Though the wise men and king Herod believed the same thing, their responses to that belief was completely opposite. The wise men wanted to worship Jesus and brought him gifts. King Herod on the other hand resorted to mass murder in order to destroy Jesus. Is this not an accurate reflection of how the world responds to Jesus and His Gospel? It is no wonder that 1 Peter 2:8 says that to unbelievers, Jesus is a “stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient”.

However, to those who have believed in Him, this means living every aspect of their lives in subjection to the teachings and authority of Christ. It also means being obedient to Jesus in every situation. Have you thought about how you have submitted your life to Him as your King?

Thought: Jesus is my King. Am I a humble and obedient subject in His kingdom?
Prayer: O Lord, I thank You that You are not only a powerful and sovereign King, but also a righteous, loving and merciful one.