The Story - Chapter 22 - The Birth of the King

Matthew 2:3 (NIV) 
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 

I have read this line before, but I don't remember seeing the last part of it; and all Jerusalem with him.  What do these words mean?  I understand Herod's concern for he was worried about keeping his throne.  But why was all Jerusalem disturbed as well?

When I first recognized Jesus for who He really was, when my life was turned around and I began to follow Him, everything changed.  I can recall family members making fun of my new found religion.  I was called a 'holy roller', Jesus freak and was given a few other choice monikers.  I didn't understand the reason for I initially thought they would be happy.

The situation is similar for Herod.  He was fearful that everything would change.  He was disturbed by the way in which people reacted to the news of the birth of this child.  The Life Application Bible Notes reveals: "In some he awakened spiritual longs; in others, fear and insecurity."

Jesus still has this effect on the world. Herod knew the Jewish people expected the Messiah to come soon and many expected a great military leader, so Herod was afraid.  Today, we expect Jesus to return to claim his people again.  So, when one of us changes and begins to embrace Jesus as Savior, the world around us changes too.  And we all know how we feel about change...

There is a teaching in the Christian recovery world which speaks of hope and of Jesus Christ as that hope.  When we embrace the living Hope, Jesus, as our Higher Power we are to expect to change.

Read Matthew 2 here

Listen to Mathew 2 here

Keep Telling Your Story - Acts 23:1-11

In the Christian recovery ministry, members often tell their story (lead) or testimony. It is called sharing our experience, strength, and hope with one another. Many times after sharing the story of my recovery journey with folks, they will stop me to say how my talk resonated with them. They will then share some of their journey with me and I can see how God has been at work in my life for many years.

People in recovery who share their story over and over again don’t necessarily enjoy doing it, but we know how important it is for people who are hurting and struggling their way through life to hear the tale of someone who has been there and came out on the other side. Christian recovery is so special to me, as I am able to share the power of Jesus, my personal ‘higher power’, with someone who does not yet know Him.

"The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” (Acts 23:11)

Every Christian is on a recovery path. Paul is no different; his journey is one which took him from persecutor to persecuted, from enemy to friend. Jesus revealed to Paul how vital his story is and that others need to hear. Now Paul is on his way to Rome to tell it again. “I love to tell the story, of Jesus and His love…”

Read the Acts 23:1-11 text here.