Mat 2:1-6 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
Herod was troubled at the news that the Christ was born the King of the Jews. He could not bear to hear that there was someone other than him to rule. He kept his throne by violence and any other who appeared to be a rival was to be eliminated.
All Jerusalem was troubled as well! WHY?
Have you noticed how the people who were seeking the Christ were foreigners and not His own people the Jews? He came unto his own, and his own received him not. John 1:11
Is it surprising to you that no one is recorded as accompanying or following the wise to seek this King of the Jews? Where was the interest? Where was the curiosity? Where were the scribes and priests who gave the information concerning the advent of this, according to Micah who they quoted, person that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Mic 5:2
It appears that they were more concerned with the intrigues of politics and position in life so the news of the appearance of a potential Leader and King who may well disturb the status quo was troubling indeed.
It is somewhat puzzling that the people who should have been the first to live in expectation were disturbed at the news.
Herod was a foreigner (an Edomite) reigning as king in Jerusalem. He had his loyal following and as a usurper with no credentials, who had no right ruling, he would be disturbed at the news of competition. But why all Jerusalem with him?
Possible reasons
1. Fearful to show joy and gladness knowing Herod's jealous temperament and suspicions
2. Dismayed at a possible righteous interference with their vices and wickedness
3. Fearful of an uprising and therefore swift retaliation from Rome.
He revealed Himself to foreigners and lowly shepherds.
Evil hates good and sin becomes uncomfortable in the presence of righteousness.
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. John 15:19
Because evil is uncomfortable it resorts to various devices to mask or eradicate the discomfort. This is the reason the ungodly and unrighteous hate the righteous and seek to ridicule, humiliate and destroy them. It is the reason that vicious, vile and vituperative attacks are made in various media and in physical acts of violence against the righteous. It is the reason why conservatives are hated so much by liberals. Many are contented to live in the squalor of sin and unrighteousness and are stirred to violent action when their hypocrisy and evil is revealed for what it really is. Who are the people that constantly coin politically correct phrases? Who are the ones that make all excuses for sin, coining such terms as alternative life styles, protest against ALL forms of CHRISTIAN public demonstration and exhibits? Who are those that lower standards so that the failure will not feel badly about failing?
John 15:20-24 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. 23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
What would be your reaction if Jesus should appear to you now?
1. PEOPLE BECOME TROUBLED AT HIS APPEARING BECAUSE HIS PRESENCE REVEALS SIN
Light reveals and Jesus is the light. At night all cats are grey and features are indistinguishable. Only the advent of light reveals whether you are black or white, clean or dirty, well dressed or naked, ugly or beautiful. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. John 3:19-21
A person who loves the appearing and the presence of the Lord will approach Him and abide in His presence so that every error and fault will be revealed in His light. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1Jn 1:5-7
Eph 5:11-14 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
This requires a constant pilgrimage into the Word of God for: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psa 119:105 and The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Psa 119:130
We need to remind ourselves that we are light for Jesus said: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Mat 5:14-16
Remember therefore to: Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Eph 5:6-10
2. PEOPLE BECOME TROUBLED AT HIS APPEARING BECAUSE HIS PRESENCE DEMANDS A DECISION
People do not take lightly to anyone making a call on them to commit themselves to God and to seek His honour and glory. His saying and teaching will challenge and shake our control over our own lives and demand surrender to Him. Many times we may find His doctrine unacceptable because it intrudes into our well laid out plans and schemes and then we have to choose. FOR or AGAINST! What will our reaction be when we hear his teachings and demands? Remember what happened when fed the multitude? They wanted to make Him king! Then He began to lay out the doctrine of God before them and what was the response and reaction?
Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? 61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? 62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. John 6:60-69
Take note therefore that His appearance demands a decision whether to follow Him and pay homage to Him. It requires a commitment. You are either for or against. A failure to decide means a decision against Him and His counsel. God wants no spiritual mugwumps*
Mat 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
Jesus told the Laodicean church which is well represented in this age : I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Rev 3:15-16
In his final admonitions, commands and exhortations to the Israelites Moses said: I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: 20 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them. Deu 30:19-20
Joshua stated plainly to the Israelites : And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Josh 24:15 Yes indeed! You can sin in a variety of ways and season it with 101 flavors! But there is only one way to please God !
IF YE LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS. JOHN 14:15
John 14:23-24 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
1Jn 5:2-3 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
Exo 20:3-6 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
As people of God we are constantly faced with choices. Our lives become the sum total of our choices. Our choices need to reflect prayerful consideration of the will of God as revealed in His word and our subsequent obedience to bring glory to His name!.
3. PEOPLE BECOME TROUBLED AT HIS APPEARING BECAUSE HIS PRESENCE DISTURBS THE STATUS QUO
People are generally reluctant to disturb the life style they are accustomed to. They do not want to disturb the status quo. They don't want you to rock the boat, but Jesus' presence will always create somewhat of a controversy, again demanding you make a choice. You know? It's one thing to say I am a Christian and attend church, and sing, and testify, and pray, and preach. It is a whole new ball game when He begins to answer you in a way you did not expect! The young ruler who came to Jesus asked all the right questions. He just did not like the answer that really mattered!
And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Mat 19:16-22
How many have not walked away from God because he did not answer the way we expect? Yes, we have remained right there in church going through the motions but there is no longer any heart in it! We're just going through the motions!
Isa 29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
The Amplified Version puts it like this: And the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips but remove their hearts and minds far from Me, and their fear and reverence for Me are a commandment of men that is learned by repetition [without any thought as to the meaning], Isa 29:13 AMP
We read the Word by rote and it means nothing to us! We ignore the commands of God and seek the teachings of men that will justify our behavior. We hold on to two words; "God understands" Yet we are without understanding! However we should pay heed to what the Bible says For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2Ti 4:3-4
We run behind every Tom Dick and Dorothy who will tell us what we want to hear not what we need to hear.
How about you today? Does the truth disturb you in a way that you seek to eradicate it from your life? When truth stares you in the face do you turn you back on it and refuse to follow it to its glorious conclusion? When truth makes demands of you do you weigh the consequences and decide against it?
Eph 4:17-20 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
Or as amplified: Eph 4:17-20 So this I say and solemnly testify in [the name of] the Lord [as in His presence], that you must no longer live as the heathen (the Gentiles) do in their perverseness [in the folly, vanity, and emptiness of their souls and the futility] of their minds. 18 Their [5]moral understanding is darkened and their reasoning is beclouded. [They are] alienated (estranged, self-banished) from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the ignorance (the want of knowledge and perception, the willful blindness) that is [6]deep-seated in them, due to their hardness of heart [to the insensitiveness of their moral nature]. 19 In their spiritual apathy they have become callous and past feeling and reckless and have abandoned themselves [a prey] to unbridled sensuality, eager and greedy to indulge in every form of impurity [that their depraved desires may suggest and demand]. 20 But you did not so learn Christ!
No Indeed! We have NOT so learned of Christ! Let us therefore so live that we will love His appearing for as Paul wrote:
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
1 Jn 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
*A person who remains aloof from controversial issues.
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It hit the big time in 1884, during the presidential election that set Grover Cleveland against the Republican James G Blaine. Some Republicans refused to support Blaine, changed sides, and the New York Sun labelled them little mugwumps. Almost overnight, the sense of the word changed to turncoat. Later, it came to mean a politician who either could not or would not make up his mind on some important issue, or who refused to take a stand when he was expected to do so. Hence the old joke that a mugwump is a person sitting on the fence, with his mug on one side and his wump on the other.
There is also a slangy sense — less known these days, I believe — of a person who has been persuaded by his possession of a minor official position into a sense of self-importance, often becoming obnoxious as a result. (World Wide Words)
