And So Was Fulfilled

In Matthew 2 there are two prominent stories and one underlying theme. The two stories are the arrival of the Magi to worship the new-born King and the escape to Egypt of Jesus and his fmaily.

With respect to the Magi (wise-men) we see a group of men that were willing to saddle up their camels, put together a caravan and travel great distances bearing gifts that they may come before the king in the proper manner. They came to worship. "We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." This is a story that continues to this day. Those that are paying attention see the sign of his coming. No, it's not a star in the East, it is the changed life right next to them. It is the rebirth and new life of every believer that testifies to his coming. To those that see the sign and understand it, they too want to come before the king and to worship. Every believer lives out this pattern in their own way.

The escape to Egypt reflects the extent to which those who fear The Lord will go to oppose His will. Herod was willing to kill off babies in an effort to thwart God's plans. This story reveals the depths of depravity of the human heart and the willingness of man to stop at nothing to 'protect their territory.' Yet this story also reflects how God's will cannot be thwarted and to oppose God is to guarantee defeat.

The underlying theme is the certainty with which the words of God, as revealed by his prophets, come to pass. In Matthew 2:5, Herod receives the counsel of his advisers who directly quote the prophet when they inform Herod that the new King will be born in Bethlehem. And indeed, Christ was born in Bethlehem and so was fulfilled the prophecy.

In Matthew 2:13-15 we see how the angel tells Joseph to take his family and flee to Egypt that they may escape the coming slaughter. "And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Out of Egypt I called my son.'"

In Matthew 2:16 we see Herod's slaughter of the boy-children of Bethlehem and it's surrounding area. As despicable as it was, it nevertheless underscores the certainty of God's words. For in v17 we read "Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:" and this was a reference to the weeping and great mourning of the mothers over their slain children.

In Matthew 2:19-23 we read of the return of Jesus' family from Egypt and how Joseph, again warned in a dream, takes his family to Nazareth rather than to their traditional home. "So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: 'He will be called a Nazarene.'"

As I read this passage today, I am reminded of the omniscient nature of God and of how His word does not return void. If God said it, we can depend on it. It will be fulfilled. We should take heed of his words and bring our own lives into alignment with Him for we know what is coming. The day will come when people will say "and so was fulfilled" God's word concerning the return of His Son.

We better get ready.

Peace,
Carl