“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:”

Matthew 2:5

The authorities, the chief priests and the Pharisees, already knew all about the Messiah, because they had searched the Old Testament Scriptures for information. Now evil king Herod wanted that information so that he could destroy this baby who threatened his position as leader and ruler of the land.

Herod asks the chief priests where this baby was to be born. They told him, since they knew from the prophet Micah, who tells us clearly that Bethlehem is the place where the Deliverer would appear.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times .” Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.”

Micah 5:2-4

So Herod now knew the place and moved on to the wise men, to find the time, according to the star that appeared in the east, which they were following. Herod feigned faith and the desire to worship this person. Herod was waiting for the time when he could rid the country of this “threat” and keep all authority to himself. Herod had all baby boys under the age of two years, murdered to save his own skin.

But Herod cannot dupe God, no matter who he thinks he is, or how much authority and power he has. God protects Jesus, the hope of the world, by sending the family into exile in Egypt. So many were not saved, such is the demonstration and consequence of evil. But God kept Jesus safe and when Herod died, the family came back to Judea.

The Saviour of the world rescued many and brought many daughters and sons to glory. Those who were not saved from Herod, and lost their lives, where brought safe into the shelter of Christ, as all little ones go to Him. Jesus is truly our Saviour, and is working all things for good and the salvation of all those who He searches for. Not one will be lost. All Christians have a place and time where they encountered God and find salvation for their souls.

The prophet writes.

“Salvation is of the Lord..”

Jonah 2:9

We cannot manoeuvre it or educate people into a certain mindset, but we wait for God to demonstrate His power. Only He can show us our sin, give us strength to face it, and be sorry. We receive forgiveness and are restored. The place and time for this is of little consequence, so long as we are truly the Lords.