12/24/2020
Author: Mike Kelley
Title: Mike's Minute

These words were spoken by Manoah about a son who was about to be born to him. The son’s name would be Samson and he would be a special child.

When we read these words, especially this time of year, it’s hard not to think of another special child who would be born in another era. A child to whom the whole world would have to decide how to respond. The child, of course, is Jesus.

What shall we do with this child? People have answered that question in 3 ways down through the centuries.

Some say, “Let the child be destroyed.” This was the response of King Herod in Matthew 2:16. Herod, fearful that the child might one day threaten his throne, set out to destroy the child. From Herod’s day until now, many have set out to destroy Jesus... to remove him and his influence from society. What a testimony it is to the ignorance and fallenness of our world that so many want to take the best thing that ever happened to us and destroy him!

Some say, “Let the child be ignored.” This was the reaction of the innkeeper in Luke 2:7. There was no room in the inn. There was no evidence of hostility toward the child. The innkeeper was just busy, business was good, things were rolling right along. He just didn’t have the time or see the need to mess around with Jesus. Many see themselves as too busy and too independent to need Jesus today, so they ignore him.

Other people say, “Let the child be worshipped.” This was the reaction of the wise men in Matthew 2:9 and following. My hope and prayer is that more and more people will have this reaction to Jesus. Wise men still seek Jesus! They find Jesus, worship him, and bring him what they have. Will you?