July 14, Matthew 2
We usually don’t enjoy hearing the words, “I told you so.” That’s because so often we hear them after failing to heed a warning, or choosing to ignore advice that might have saved us some expense or suffering. But sometimes we hear it in a good context, too. After a good meal, we tell a friend he was right about a certain restaurant, and he nods and says, “I told you so.” When it’s a confirmation of something good instead of a rebuke, we don’t mind being told that we’ve already been told.
Matthew’s habit of referring to prophecies that were fulfilled in Jesus reminds me of the good kind of “told you so.” God had been telling Israel for centuries that Messiah was coming, and giving the covenant people glimpses of what it would be like when he came. And each time Matthew writes, “This took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet,” it’s like God saying, “I told you so.”
Matthew was written by a Jew. His original audience was Jewish. They knew the Scriptures. When Matthew cited the prophetic reference for Jesus’ name, the flight to Egypt, Herod’s ruthless violence against the innocents and Jesus living in Nazareth, he was telling Israelites, “Look, it’s him. Just like God said. Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah.” To the rest of us who may not be intimately familiar with the prophets, Matthew seems to say, “Look, this is no coincidence. All these facts and circumstances were predicted hundreds of years before the actual events occurred.”
The references to fulfilled prophecy are interwoven with the narrative about the decisions made and actions taken by people in the story. It’s a thing of mystery and wonder that God knew before what would happen, but the things that happened are the result of humans acting on their own will. In ways beyond
our ability to explain, God uses the willing obedience of his people as well as the wicked rebellion of his enemies to accomplish his purpose. God spoke through angels, dreams, stars and Scripture to guide and lead Mary, Joseph and the Magi. They understood God was directing them, and they obeyed, fulfilling God’s purpose. But when wicked Herod had the opportunity to get guidance from God, he responded with fear, anger and violence. In a futile attempt at self-preservation, he ordered the deaths of all the little boys who by virtue of their age and birthplace might be the newborn king the Magi had sought.
Do you respond to God’s revelation with humble obedience or with angry rebellion? Herod soon died in infamy, but God’s plan rolled on, precisely on track, right on time. Doesn’t it make more sense to cooperate with him?
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide
for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used
by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—July 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
Comments