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.
.
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 part-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; He 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! It was the white-hot moment that Eternity melted into
Time!
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
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