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| Reverend G. S. Adeyemo |
“And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.” Matthew 2: 2-5
Introduction
The people of God under Samuel demanded for a king like other nations. “now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.” They needed a king for the sake of justice, high moral standard and one who can stand among equals. What was wrong with their demand for a leader like other nations was not immediately clear. See what God who knows the mind of every man saw in their demand. In 1Samuel 8:7 the Bible says, “And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.”
In other words, they needed king for their selfish mundane interest. They rejected divine and eternal reign of peace, righteousness, justice and fairness.
Background
At the time Jesus was born, the Jews were under Roman government. Herod Antipas, (born 21 BC—died AD 39), son of Herod I the Great was tetrarch of Galilee and ruled throughout Jesus of Nazareth’s ministry. In The Gospel According to Luke (13:32), Jesus later referred to him as “that fox.” That shows the recklessness in the rule of the king. Corruption was high and there was oppression. Oppressive leaders never want any dissenting voice to be head. Your head might be on demand. Typical example is John the Baptist who spoke against bad governance. He was imprisoned and later beheaded.
The Mission of the King of kings was unveiled by the angel in Matthew 1:21, 2:4; (the Messiah); Also Prophet Isaiah, Isa. 11:1-5; He came to destroy the effects of sin as promised by God in Gen. 3:15; Joh 3:16 the “mediator” between holy, righteous God and unrighteous, sinful man 1 Tim 2:5.
He comes that we may have abundant life. Before He ascended to heaven, He promised us not to leave us fatherless. He paved way for God’s permanent presence in us through the Holy Spirit. Through Him we have assurance of victory over Satan sin and the world. 1John 5: 4, 5; Isaiah 9: 6, 7
In the Gospel according to Luke 4: 18-19 He sums up His mission, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”
Conclusion
The kingdom of this world and it’s power have failed and cannot suffice for world peace and justice. But the Kingdom of God has come for those who would seek first that Kingdom of God and His righteousness. All other things necessary for life will be added to them.
Accept the lordship of Jesus Christ and you will enjoy the peace of God that passes all understanding. Shalom!
