This post is “Christmas – Day 23”, if you haven’t already read Day 1, please click here.

Please comment below with your own thoughts about each verse and how you will be acting on each thought. Also, if you haven’t yet signed up to receive the notifications of new studies, please do that today (the form is at the bottom of the page).

Christmas – Day 23

Matthew 2:5-6

They told him, “In Bethlehem in Judea. The prophet wrote about this: Bethlehem in the land of Judah, you are by no means least among the leaders of Judah. A leader will come from you. He will shepherd my people Israel.”

The Thought

The prophet wrote about this: Much of what is happening in the world today has been foretold in the Bible. And certainly much has been written about the end times. Do you think we are there? Do you read the Bible for it’s historical interest, it’s spiritual content…

Following on from yesterday’s reading, we see that King Herod’s advisors quoted Micah 5:3-4 in answer to his question.

Much of what is happening in the world today is foretold in the Bible. And certainly much has been written about the end times. Do you think we are there?

Do you read the Bible for it’s historical interest, it’s spiritual content, it’s prophetic word for you today, or all three of those things?

The book of Revelation is the obvious place to look for the prophetic words from Jesus via John about all that is to happen between then, the first century AD and the end of the world as we know it. But other passages too are relevant to our times, and say much about the “time of the end” (Daniel 12, Matthew 24, 2 Timothy 3, and both short books that Paul wrote to the Thessalonians).

As you read or listen to the news of what is going on in the world don’t allow fear to get at you. Throughout the Bible God reassures His people that there is no need to fear because He is with us. Here are just 2 examples of that.

Isaiah 41:10
Don’t be afraid, because I am with you.
Don’t be intimidated; I am your God.
I will strengthen you, I will help you.
And I will support you with my victorious right hand.

Luke 12:32
Don’t be afraid, little flock. Your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.

Action

Read for yourself what one of those Bible passages mentioned above says about our times and those still to come. Throughout the Bible God reassures His people that there is no need to fear because He is with us.

Pray for the staying power to not give up on what Jesus has called you to do, and pray for wisdom to discern the times we are living in.