21 Nov December 28th Daily Devotion

SATAN TAKES ON JESUS

Matthew 2:16 “When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave 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.”

Shepherds went to Bethlehem after the angels told them of Jesus’ birth.  Luke writes, “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” (Luke 2:16-18) It is estimated the Magi traveled 400 or more miles taking at least two weeks to see Jesus.  They were so elated at His birth and finding Him that they were moved to not only worship Him, but also give Him very expensive gifts.

King Herod felt threatened by Jesus’ birth.  When the Magi told him about the birth of a new king, Herod was furious.  When the Magi failed to return to Herod’s court to report where they found Jesus, Herod ordered all boy babies two years of age and under to be killed.  Little did Herod realize that Satan was behind his anger.  Satan wanted Jesus dead.  God the Father’s words of Genesis 3:15 were put in play by Herod without him realizing he was an ally of Satan.

Jesus would die, but not the way Herod wanted.  First Jesus had to be about His Father’s business, as at age twelve He told His parents in the Temple.  First Jesus had to go out among the people telling the Good News of salvation.  He had to heal the sick, cure the lame, feed the hungry, drive out evil spirits, etc.  He had to keep all of God’s Law for the sake of all human beings.  Then Jesus would go to Calvary’s cross and die.  His shed blood would cleanse sinners of their sins.  But, it must be shed in fulfillment of the Prophets words:  “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

Prayer:  Dear Jesus, I mourn as I realize that you faced many enemies while on earth.  By God’s grace You were victorious over all of them, always for my sake.  Keep me faithful!  In Your holy name.  Amen.

Hail to the Lord’s anointed, Great David’s greater Son!

Hail, in the time appointed, His reign on earth begun!

He comes to break oppression, To set the captive free,

To take away transgression And rule in equity.

He comes with rescue speedy To those who suffer wrong,

To help the poor and needy And bid the weak be strong;

To give them songs for sighing, Their darkness turn to light,

Whose souls, condemned and dying, Were precious in His sight.

He shall come down like showers Upon the fruitful earth;

Love, joy, and hope, like flowers, Spring in His path to birth.

Before Him on the mountains Shall peace, the herald, go;

And righteousness in fountains From hill to valley flow.

Kings shall fall down before Him And gold and incense bring;

All nations shall adore Him, His praise all people sing.

To Him shall prayer unceasing And daily vows ascend;

His kingdom still increasing, A kingdom without end.

O’er ev’ry foe victorious, He on His throne shall rest,

From age to age more glorious, All blessing and all-blest.

The tide of time shall never His covenant remove;

His name shall stand forever— That name to us is Love.

(LSB 398)