Friday, January 7, 2005
Matthew 2:1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem
THE FATHER SENT HIM ANYWAY
How many of you parents would intentionally send a child of yours into a dangerous situation? "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion" (Lk 11:11-12)? Yet your Heavenly Father sent His Son into the world during very dangerous times.
The Scriptures tell us that King Herod was ruling Judea while Jesus was a baby. You will find that Herod the Great was one of the most cruel leaders who ever lived. His life's "highlights" included the execution of wife and sons. Before he died, he arrested several influential citizens in Jerusalem and gave orders that at the moment of his death they too should be executed. He wanted the city to mourn at his passing instead of celebrating in the streets.
This was the political climate in which Jesus, Mary, and Joseph lived. The Heavenly Father didn't wait until things "calmed down" before sending the Savior to dwell with men. Instead, Jesus spent His early years in one of the most violent eras the world has known.
Does this mean our Heavenly Father was a bad father? No, it means that He loved you so much that He did not spare His only Son, but sent Him to save you even though He knew the dangers would be great. Like parents might allow their children to go to war because they love their country, so your good God sends His own dear Child into battle to reveal His love for you.
He spoke to His beloved Son:
'Tis time to have compassion
Then go, bright Jewel of My crown,
And bring to man salvation;
From sin and sorrow set him free,
Slay bitter death for him that he
May live with Thee forever (TLH 387:5). 