Seeking the prophesied king heralded by a star in the east, the wise men stopped to inquire of Herod, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2). Herod assembled advisors who reported that it had been written that the child of prophecy would be born in Bethlehem, so he informed the wise men and told them to report on the child’s location.
When the wise men found the Christ child, however, they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, whose intent was anything but worshipful. Indeed, when the wise men did not return, Herod ordered the death of all children two and under in an attempt to eliminate the perceived rival in one gross gesture.
But, of course, Jesus escaped, having been carried to safety in Egypt by Joseph. Though He was no older than two, the forces of evil were already exerting diabolical force to put an end to Jesus’ life and mission. But, even then, His escape to Egypt made it clear that He was not going to be stopped.
Obviously, as a small child, Jesus must have been totally dependent on Joseph and Mary to take him to safety. But, in this episode, I see that, even at His most helpless, His work could not be frustrated. So, if He could not be stopped as a two-year-old, how much less likely is it that the resurrected and glorified Christ could be stopped in His tracks now?
The answer, of course, is that He can’t be. But that’s something we may forget from time to time. Accidents, mistakes, pandemics, and more may lead us to believe that our lives (and, therefore, His plan for us) have been derailed.
But if Herod couldn’t stop Him then, the obstacles in our way surely won’t stop Him now. He can’t be stopped, and, if we stick with Him, we won’t be stopped either. For, to borrow from Paul, “[We] can do all things through Christ [who] strengtheneth [us]” (Philippians 4:13).
Casting Mites 