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Two Responses to One Prophecy

Imagine being Herod, the king. You've got power, wealth, and authority. Then you hear whispers about the birth of a new “King of the Jews.” Herod was “troubled, and all Jerusalem with him” (Matthew 2:3). So he gathered the religious experts the chief priests and scribes and asked where this new King, the Christ, was prophesied to be born.

“In Bethlehem of Judea,” they replied, quoting an ancient prophecy (Matthew 2:5).

The Scripture they referred to was

Micah 5:2:
“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.”

Herod, surrounded by power and prestige, was threatened by this prophecy a reminder that earthly authority is fleeting. Yet for the Magi, this same prophecy was a beacon of hope. They journeyed from the East, guided by the stars and Scripture, in search of this humble King who would be born in Bethlehem. While Herod sought to eliminate a perceived threat, the Magi sought to worship.

Why such different reactions to the same prophecy? The Magi had wisdom derived not from their understanding of the stars alone but also from their study of the Word of God.

Characteristics of Wisdom from the Word of God

1. Divinely Inspired

The wisdom from God's Word is not a human construct but is inspired by the Holy Spirit. It transcends human understanding and reasoning. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)

2. Transformative

This wisdom has the power to change hearts, renew minds, and guide individuals toward righteous living. It can lead to a radical reorientation of one’s life and priorities. (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23)

3. Eternal in Perspective

Unlike worldly wisdom, which often focuses on short-term gains or immediate outcomes, the wisdom from God's Word has an eternal perspective. It guides us toward choices and actions that have everlasting significance. (Matthew 6:19–21; Colossians 3:2)

These characteristics make the wisdom from God's Word invaluable and incomparable to any other form of wisdom.

A Personal Reflection

Now think about your own life. Are you more like Herod or the Magi when you encounter the teachings of the Bible? Are you threatened by its truths, or do you see them as a guiding star?

The wisdom of God often runs counter to worldly wisdom, upsetting our status quo and challenging our comfort zones. Yet that wisdom is the path to eternal life.

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” (1 Corinthians 1:25)

Scripture calls us to be like the Magi: curious, diligent, and willing to take a journey both physical and spiritual to meet the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. This humble Shepherd King wasn’t born in a palace but in a manger not with the pomp of earthly majesty but with the promise of eternal hope.

Today, let us pray for the wisdom to seek Jesus in our own lives, recognizing Him as the ultimate Ruler who shepherds us with love, compassion, and justice. For as the Psalmist wrote,

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).

Bible Reading: Number 7

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