O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Scripture:  Mathew 2:4 "And when he (Herod) had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.  (Read Micah 5:2).

Scribes of Jesus’ day were men who could read and write, which was a highly skilled trade.  They were advisors to the rulers and were sometimes referred to as lawyers. In Israel they became part of the class of religious rulers and special scribes were given the responsibility to copy the Torah (Law or teachings of Moses) and writings of the Prophets.

Copying was tedious work and was done VERY carefully on thin, paper-like materials made from reeds or skins and rolled into scrolls.  The Hebrew language is full of squiggly lines and dots, each having a special meaning, thus making this task more difficult. Tradition tell us that each time they wrote the word “YHWH’, their term for God, they had to wash and maybe even change clothes.

Since priests were assigned to each of the various family groups of the twelve tribes, the Scribes were kept busy copying enough scrolls for each priest to have copies.  The scrolls wore out, not only from use, but also because the reed material used was not durable.

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Because of their training and knowledge of the Scriptures, Scribes were respected as interpreters of the Law and very influential.  When the Magi from the East appeared, King Herod sought out the Scribes - probably from somewhere in the palace, since he was Jewish.  He wanted any information they might know about this new  rival king.

God made preparation for forgiveness of sin of mankind even before the creation of the world. (I Peter 1:20) He continued this preparation through the ancient prophets.  God had faithfully and clearly promised the Messiah to His people, and us, through the writings of Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah and others continued calls for the people to repent, ask God's forgiveness and renew a right relationship with Him.  God knew that the sacrifices the people offered were only a substitute for the Messiah He would send. Animal blood sacrifice was only a type of what was to come.  These sacrifices could only cover for sin, not take away – pay the death penalty, for our sins as did the blood of Jesus.

The people were unable to understand that Messiah would be a Servant and a King. They were expecting One to free them from physical bondage of rule by other than Israeli Kings, not from bondage of sin.  We have a better view of Jesus ‘Servant –King’  on this side of the cross. We know he came to show us the Father’s love and desire to fellowship with us, and we anticipate His return as King of God’s  Eternal Kingdom.

Research the prophecies given and fulfilled about Messiah coming as Jesus.  Not one unfulfilled.  You can be certain that His return will also fulfill ALL the prophecies given about out coming King.

What are you expecting from messiah??  Health?  Wealth?  Security?  Peace?  Jesus said, “My Peace I leave with you. I do not give as the world gives…” John 14:27  Jesus came as God with skin.

SOOO, family and friends, young and not so young, as you enter into this Advent Season celebrating the human birth of our Savior, take a look deep into your heart and be honest about your relationship with Father God and His Son Jesus, as well as your family and friends.  Ask God to forgive you for _________________ and cleanse your heart by the washing of His Word and renewing a right spirit within. 

Blessings.

 Gma