Matthew 2 paints a startling picture.
As I read this chapter today, I was surprised to remember that this is part of the Christmas story, but it's the untold part. Remember, Herod has asked the Magi (wise men) to find Jesus and then tell him where He is so that he too "may go and worship him" (vs. 8). Yet, we as the readers, know that this was not Herod's true intention. Later, when Herod finds out that the Magi outwitted him, "he was furious, and he have orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi" (vs. 16) because the Magi had previously told him when they saw the star first, and therefore, when Jesus was born.
That is all that is said about this evil act of human history, but today, I stopped and thought about it more. Imagine this gruesome picture with me. How brutal for soldiers to come storming into your home, rip your one year old son out of your arms, and slice him with a sword until he bled to death in front of you! I know that's not "fun" to picture, and yet, this event as well as much other political unrest was taking place during the time of Christ's birth. I know why we don't include that in the Christmas story -- it comes just four verses after the part about the Magi -- but killing babies doesn't sell well during the holiday season. Yet, it is true. This is part of the Christmas story. And why does it matter?
Jesus didn't come to the world in a time of peace on earth and goodwill toward men. And he didn't leave this earth that way either -- a brutal death on a cross was the other bookend to His life story.
Yet, this is why we can worship Him.
He came when humanity needed Him most, and we still need Him most today. Remember that Mark 2:7 says, "Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” He came when they needed Him, and He's still here as we need Him, and in the midst of warfare and evil all around us and in our world, He says, “Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told" (Hab.1:5).
He came. He hasn't left us to fend four ourselves! Even in Matthew chapter 2 today, I was amazed to see all the ways that God guided and directed His people for their safety. In the midst of Herod's evil scheme, the Lord directed the Magi to Jesus with a star (that was never in the sky before, and the Magi were astronomers, so what better way to guide them?); He also directed the Magi (more than one of them) in dreams to not return to Herod; and He directed Joseph in a dream to take Mary and Jesus away from Herod and when they could return and be safe!
In the midst of warfare, He does guide and direct us, doesn't He? This is not just something He did for Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. In the midst of whatever you find yourself in, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way, walk in it'" (Isaiah 30:21). He says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the ways you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you" (Psalm 32:8).
So, “Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders" (Deut. 33:12). In the midst of warfare all around us, we can rest and worship our Lord. He is faithful to you, and He is your protector and peace-giver in the midst of the warfare. This is why He came.
Rest between His shoulders today. He's got you.
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