THURSDAY 29 December, 2016
Refusing Comfort
Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: “A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weepingfor her children, refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” - Matthew 2:17-18
Herod, the King of Judea was greatly troubled when he heard the news of a new King born in the region he ruled. His reign would not be shared with another. Secretly, he had inquired as to the time the star appeared to the wise men. Herod asked them to bring back word when they found the Child. Why? He supposedly wanted to worship Him (Matthew 2:3-7). But he was incredibly insincere and blatantly lied about his motives.
Herod had murder in his heart and worship was so far from the truth. All he wanted was to destroy the young Child. God warned the wise men and they did not revisit Herod but returned to their own country another way Matthew 2:12). Joseph was warned by an angel of the Lord in a dream to take Jesus and his mother Mary to flee into Egypt (Luke 2:13-14).
Herod, in fury and anger at the wise men not returning to him, devised an evil plan to insure the destruction of the young Messiah. He would exterminate the One––named King of the Jews. He determined the possible age of the Child from the wise men. Then he ordered the horrific slaughter of all the male children from the age of two years old and under in Bethlehem, including the surrounding districts (Matthew 2:16).
We live in a world opposed to Christ. The Bible tells us that man’s heart is desperately wicked (Jeramiah 17:9). Even today, innocent people suffer horrible atrocities because of those who are evil. Anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one due to acts of violence can be hard to console. Only God can soothe their grief. He is the God of all comfort.
"Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, who comforts us…”
~2 Corinthians 1:3-4~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
