Note: This devotion material was purchased digitally from YM360 to be used for the Advent Season of 2024.
Day Seventeen: Hope Amidst Fear
““When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” — Matthew 2:3-8
We all have fears or things we are worried about. What are some of your fears right now?
In this passage, we read about King Herod. Herod was known for his desire for authority and control. He didn’t want anyone or anything to threaten that. He even executed his own family members whom he thought were disloyal. So, when he hears the Messiah is born, he’s scared of what may happen to his power. We read that not only was Herod fearful, but all of Jerusalem was fearful as well. They may have been scared of what Herod would do, or they may have been anxious about the uncertainty of the future.
Herod investigates more and asks the historians where the Messiah was born. They tell him Bethlehem. Herod then asks the wise men to find the Messiah and report back what they discover. Even though Herod tells the wise men he just wants to worship Jesus, he really wants to put an end to any threat. His fear will cause him to act irrationally.
Sometimes, our fears and anxieties do the same. They often cause us to think irrationally and even act illogically. While a little fear or anxiety can be helpful or even healthy at times, they can also quickly become unhelpful and very unhealthy for us as well. When we face these fears and anxieties, reminding ourselves of God’s truth can help us. Remembering the promises of God can help combat those unhelpful thoughts!
In the hymn “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” we sing about the birth of Jesus bringing “tidings of comfort and joy.” Because of the birth of Jesus, and knowing that Jesus is WITH us, we too can have comfort and joy. We can rest knowing He will comfort us in our fears and give us joy in the midst of our anxiety.
Questions:
1. What are some of your biggest fears or anxieties right now?
2. Does knowing Jesus is with you bring you comfort and joy? How?