Epiphany Journey

Friday 8th January Matthew 2:3-6 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

While God is full of surprises, he has repeatedly given his people help in understanding — even anticipating — his greatest works of salvation. The prophets had seen a new David coming to redeem and lead God's people. Like David of old, this new David would also be from the town of Bethlehem, and he would be the Great Shepherd. But, like so many in our time, Herod was more interested in using this knowledge of God's plan to help himself rather than to be moulded into a person of God. We must learn that God's word in Scripture is given to us to help us know, obey, and worship him, not simply to collect a set of facts to use for our own personal advantage.

Herod was interested in Jesus in an intellectual way, careful that his own position not be affected. Some people keep Jesus at a distance, referring to him as an idea. Where as prayer draws us into a relationship and ask that we be ready to accept the consequences that may come to light.The comfortable and established did not recognise Jesus but the travellers and strangers appreciated who he was. May we be open to the voices of the stranger and to wisdom from other traditions.

Dear Father, I want to know your word so I may more perfectly obey your will. Please help me to find your truth and live it, not just discuss it or use it for my own selfish purposes. I pray this in the name of the Living Word. Amen.