"Get up!" he said. "Take the Child and His mother and go to the land of Israel, for those seeking the Child's life are now dead." Sermons
I. THAT CANNOT BE A CHANCE WHICH IS CIRCUMSTANTIALLY ACCURATELY FORETOLD. 1. Vague utterances are outside this argument. Such are those which may be interpreted either way. Such were those of the heathen oracles. Such are not those of Scripture prophecy. 2. Guesses also are out of the question. (1) These may occasionally come true, viz. when they concern things of usual occurrence. (2) That they should constantly come true is incredible. The ratio of probabilities is mathematically determinable. (3) That guesses should constantly come true when hazarded in relation to things extraordinary and supernatural is next thing to impossible. But the subjects of Scripture prophecy are these very things. II. THE PROPHECIES OF SCRIPTURE, WHILE THEY CONCERN THINGS UNIQUE, ARE MINUTELY CIRCUMSTANTIAL. 1. Those concerning Messiah answer this description. (1) Never before his appearance was there any person to compare with him. Never since. He was unique in all points. (2) Yet was he very fully described in prophecy. As the stream of time flowed on since the first utterance (Genesis 3:15), feature became added to feature by successive seers, until the collective testimony presents a proto-biography wonderfully complete. 2. Witness the sample respecting his infancy here given. (1) His incarnation by a virgin mother of the family of David (cf. Matthew 1:22-24 with Isaiah 7:13, 14). (2) The occurrence of this stupendous event in the town of Bethlehem of Judah (cf. vers. 5, 6 with Micah 5:2). (3) The appearance of a star by which the Magi were guided in accordance with Balaam's parable (see Numbers 24:15-19). (4) The slaughter of the innocents (cf. vers. 16-18 with Jeremiah 31:15-17). (5) The deliverance of Jesus from that slaughter, which prophecy required, as he had to fulfil many predictions there written (see Luke 24:44-48). (6) The flight into Egypt (cf. vers. 13-15, 19-21, with Exodus 4:22, 23; Hosea 11:1). (7) The residence in Nazareth of Galilee, in connection with which he came to be called a Nazarene. Wonderful, is the credulity of that unbelief which can see nothing in such a tissue of evidence. 3. But where in prophecy is he described as a Nazarene? (1) We may find this in the law of the Nazarite taken as a prophecy. (2) Therefore also in those Nazarites, such as Samson, who must be viewed as typical persons (see Judges 13:5-7; Judges 16:17). Note: Jesus was in spirit, not in the letter, a Nazarite (see Matthew 11:18, 19). (3) We may also find it in those prophecies which set forth the humiliation and odium to which Messiah was to be subjected. For the name "Nazarene" became a term of reproach (cf. John 1:14; see also Psalm 22:6; Psalm 69:6-10; Isaiah 53:3, 12). (4) If "Nazarene" be derived from נזר, this word signifies not only "to separate," but also "to crown. When Pilate in scorn set over Jesus the inscription, Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews," Jesus was then in derision also crowned, viz. with thorns. God makes the very derision of his enemies to praise him. III. THINGS NOT FORETOLD ARE YET FOREKNOWN. 1. The knowledge of things foretold implies a foreknowledge also of things to be historically interwoven with them. (1) Thus a foreknowledge of the slaughter of the innocents implies a foreknowledge also of Herod, his character, and resources. (2) The time of Herod's death also must have been foreknown, since the return of Jesus from Egypt, a thing foretold, was historically made contingent upon it. (3) The succession of Archelaus to the throne of Herod must likewise have been foreknown, for the retirement of Jesus into Nazareth of Galilee, a thing foretold, was historically made contingent upon this. Archelaus, as Ethnarch (by courtesy called King) of Judaea, would be likely to inherit his father's jealousy and caution, as he was well known to have inherited his cruelty and tyranny (see Josephus, 'Ant.,' 17. c. 10). 2. Thus the foreknowledge of things interwoven with things foretold implies a corresponding foreknowledge of things interwoven with these. (1) This follows by the same rule. So in turn of things interwoven with these. Thus a perfect knowledge of anything must involve a perfect knowledge of everything. (2) Such, therefore, is the intelligence of Divine providence as witnessed in the evidence of prophecy. Such intelligence may be implicitly trusted for guidance. Such guidance should be earnestly sought. IV. THERE IS A PROVIDENCE OF HISTORY AS WELL AS OF PROPHECY. 1. God is not simply an Omniscient Spectator. (1) He was more than a Spectator when he inspired his prophets. (2) He is also a Worker in history. 2. Instances of his direct interference with the factors of history are here recorded. He interfered: (1) To prevent the Magi from returning to Herod. (2) To prompt Joseph to fly into Egypt. (3) To direct the return of the holy family from Egypt. (4) To instruct their retirement into Galilee. (5) To provide, viz. in the gifts of the Magi, for their subsistence. 3. This intervention was necessary to the fulfilment of prophecy. (1) The same Being who inspired the predictions wrought in their accomplishment. He let none of the words of his prophets fall to the ground (cf. 1 Samuel 3:19; 1 Samuel 9:6). (2) If prophecy reveals the providence of knowledge, history no less truly reveals the providence of power. V. THE PROVIDENCE OF HISTORY, LIKE THAT OF PROPHECY, IS ALL-COMPRISING. 1. Since God works in events necessary to the fulfilment of prophecy, he must work in all events. (1) For what events are there that are not tending to the fulfilment of prophecy? The subjects of prophecy are race-wide in their range, and extend along the whole course of time. (2) The central line of events, more prominently delineated in prophecy, are historically interwoven with other events, these with others, and so forth. So if the interference of a providential Worker is required in respect to the central line, his working will be required from the centre outwards to the very bounds of action. Hence: 2. There is a supernatural energy in the commonest events. The case may be stated thus: (1) The universe is dual, consisting of matter and spirit. (2) These complements act and react upon each other. (3) The whole is under one supreme control, infinitely intelligent, possessing illimitable resources of wisdom and efficiency. As Omniscience surveys all things, Omnipotence works in all things. (4) In some things it pleases God to show his knowledge, as in prophecy; in some, his power, as in converting prophecy into history. Where he does this we call the event supernatural and miraculous. (5) But in truth there is as much of the supernatural, i.e. as much of the presence and working of God, where he does not show it in deviations from the usual, as where he does so deviate. Therefore we may: (1) Rejoice evermore. (2) Pray without ceasing. (3) In everything give thanks. - J.A.M.
Seen his star. It was revealed to the shepherds and then to the wise men.1. The Jews had the priority of time, so also they had a superiority in the manner of the declaration. To one a living angel; to the other an inanimate star. 2. To the shepherds it was done much more feelingly than to the magi, it was loving, joyous, confidential, minute. "Fear not," etc. 3. To the Gentile the intimation was distinct, sufficient, but it was a silent finger. But to the shepherds there were voices, "a multitude of the heavenly host praising God," etc. We all have a great amount of truth floating in our minds; what we want is, to have it made definite, and brought to a focus. That the "star" did for them. Probably it so drew them, that they could scarcely resist its attraction. We cannot be too thankful to God for it, that truth as such is fascinating. Every one who has once lost and then recovered a Christian hope will understand the joy of the magi when they saw the star again. As they went, where did they look? Not at the road, nor at their feet, but at the star high up above them. How many go doubtingly, slowly, heavily, wearily, wrongly, because they look at their feet and not at the star. (J. Vaughan, M. A.) 1. Shine like that star.2. Speak like that star. 3. Lead like that star. (G. T. Coster.) Seen —1. In its creation; 2. In its position; 3. In its motion; 4. In its brightness. Let us follow the guidings of this star. (1) (2) (3) (J. M. Ashley.) 1. Science helps religion.2. Nature needs revelation. 3. Knowledge requires action. (T. R. Stevenson.) There was not much in the appearance of that single star, but it spoke volumes to those men. You know what it is to be walking by the side of some man, and suddenly he leaps aside from you with an exclamation of pleasure, and dives down into some little obscure corner or hedge, and brings up some choice botanical specimen: you know what the feeling is; you have a kind of deep sense of inferiority; your own nature tells you that he possesses some secret knowledge and power that you do not. It is the insight of natural science. Well, the insight is analogous here. Men go through the world, and they see nothing of God. nothing of Christ; or what they do see is merely the building ins which Christ dwells — a great deal about His Church, a great deal about His Word, but very little about Himself. The insight is in the Christ-born, the Christ-taught men who perceive Christ in everything. They take Him at every turn, they find Him lurking in every spot, because He is ever in their hearts. These men saw the star. There were thousands about them who looked upon the same star, and saw no meaning in it. It led them through the long desert to kneel before the Satisfier of their hopes. A picture that I once saw will illustrate what I mean. It represented the sea-shore, and standing beside it the great discoverer of the far-off continent of America; in his hand an image, rough-hewn and coarsely coloured; dawning through his eyes a keenness of observation, thought, and reflection — a dawning of some noble purpose. Behind him was the sea, broken by a brisk wind into little, fleecy waves. Beside him was his wife, half indifferent, half curious, looking on almost perplexed at the interest that he manifested. It showed that out of that strange little rough-hewn god there was born the thought of a far-off world to which he would go. But it told more than that. It told of a purpose that was graven in upon his spirit; and though the danger was great, though the sacrifice was the leaving of the wife who leant upon him, yet still, because of the deep thought which had been struck into his soul, he must perforce go, borne by the spirit of enterprise, till he had put his feet upon the far-of/land. It is this insight of enterprise which God gives to His children. The star shot the thought of Christ into the hearts of the wise men, as the rough-hewn image shot into the heart of Columbus the story of the undiscovered continent beyond the seas. So is it with Christ's children in this world. They see by an insight of faith what other men do not see. Christ's religion vindicates itself by the spiritual insight.(W. B. Carpenter. M. A.) Or, if you were at sea, and saw a lighthouse, you know it would say, "Keep away from the rocks." Its light through the dark night would speak that to you; or if you lived on a dangerous part of our coast, and heard the signal. gun fired by the coastguard men, you would know that that said, "A ship is coming on the rocks. Come and help, men of the life-boat, come and help!" Or if you saw flags flying from the church tower and malay houses, you know that would speak of glad news, perhaps the birthday of the Queen, or the marriage of one of her children, or the coming of some great man to the town. So the star spoke to the wise men, and it told happy news.(G. T. Coster.) I was many years ago travelling among the Pyrenees. Our carriage had to go over a mountain, by a road which ran for a great part of the way along the edge of a frightful precipice. The rocks descended to a vast depth, and the river roared below out of sight. There was no wall or hedge on the side of the road. At the post-house at the bottom of the pass we were given horses and a postman to drive them, and we started. Night fell before we reached our destination, black with heavy clouds, obscuring the stars. The horses were wild, unbroken-in colts, and they plunged from side to side. Whether the driver had been drinking or had lost his head in the excitement I cannot say, but he was perfectly unable to control the horses. They dashed from side to side of the road, and the carriage rocked, and the wheels grazed the edge. Every moment we expected one of the horses or the carriage to roll over the edge, when we should all have been dashed to pieces. I was then a little boy, and I sat on my mother's lap. My father, not knowing the danger, had walked on from the post-house by a short cut over the mountains, to the inn at the top of the pass, where we were to spend the night. My mother prepared for her end. The horses were plunging and racing about, so that it was impossible to descend from the carriage. She kissed me, and bade me say my prayers, and her lips moved in prayer also; I felt a shudder run through her at each sway of the carriage towards the edge. All at once, above us, shone out ,a bright light. The postman shouted, the horses seemed to become less restive. A strong hand was laid on their reins, the carriage was stopped, and my father's voice was heard. He had arrived at the top of the pass long before us, and, uneasy at the delay, had walked down to meet us. The light we saw was in a window of the posthouse, set as a guide to travellers. I cannot describe to you the relief, the joy, that rose in our hearts when we saw that guiding light, and when we heard the voice. We knew then that we were safe, following the ray of light we should reach our place of rest, guided by the firm hand on the bits of the untamed horses, we should be safe from being flung down the abyss. Our course through life is like that mountain journey. These wild undisciplined horses, ready to bring us to destruction, are our passions, the driver is conscience, the light is revealed truth, and He who meets us on our way and guides us is our Heavenly Father.(Baring-Gould.) When Whitefield (the great preacher) went to America (he went five times), he stood on the steps of the Court-house in Philadelphia, and preached to the people; and there was amongst the crowd a little boy. The little boy saw that Mr. George Whitefield could not see to read his Bible very well, so he got his lantern, and lit it, and held the lantern for Mr. Whitefield to see to read by. Mr. Whitefield was very much obliged to him. The little boy listened — with all his might and main — to Mr. Whitefield's preaching. He listened so much, that he let the lantern tumble down, and it was broken all to pieces. Many years afterwards Mr. Whitefield came back again to America, on his fifth journey. He stopped at the house of a minister, who said to him one day: "Do you remember, sir, preaching once in Philadelphia, and a little boy, who was holding the lantern, dropped it, and broke it? That I do," said Mr. Whitefield, "and I would give anything in the world to know what has become of that little boy." The minister said, "I was the little boy, sir. I held the lantern. I listened to you. I let it drop. Your preaching made me what I am, a Christian minister." He "followed the star."(J. Vaughan.) Of olden times on the coast of Cornwall there were wreckers. These men tied a lantern on the head of an ass, and drove the animal along the heights that fringe the shore. Ships at sea saw this light, and thinking them to be guides where open water was, ran towards them, fell on rocks, and were dashed to pieces. Then the wreckers came down to the shore, and took from the wrecked ship all that could be saved. There are a host of these false signals about in the religious world, leading men to destruction. What, then, are we to do? Look to the lighthouse of the Church, built by the hands of Jesus Christ. In it He has set the clear, steady light of revealed truth.(Baring Gould.) People Archelaus, Herod, Jeremiah, Jeremias, Jeremy, Jesus, Joseph, Mary, RachelPlaces Bethlehem, Egypt, Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea, Nazareth, RamahTopics Arise, Attempting, Child, Child's, Dead, Died, Rise, Risen, Saying, Seeking, Sleep, Sought, TryingOutline 1. The wise men from the east enquire after Jesus;3. at which Herod is alarmed. 9. They are directed by a star to Bethlehem, worship him, and offer their presents. 13. Joseph flees into Egypt with Jesus and his mother. 16. Herod slays the children; 20. himself dies. 23. Jesus is brought back again into Galilee to Nazareth. Dictionary of Bible Themes Matthew 2:1-23 5652 babies 1409 dream 2520 Christ, childhood Library The First-Fruits of the Gentiles'Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2. Saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him. 3. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5. And they said … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The King in Exile Sermon for Epiphany History of the Interpretation. One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its Just Weight... Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King. Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children. The Child Jesus Brought from Egypt to Nazareth. The visit and Homage of the Magi, and the Flight into Egypt The Child-Life in Nazareth He Division of the Land. Chronology of the Life of Christ. Heathenism. All My Prefaces to the Books of the Old Testament, Some Specimens of which I Subjoin, are Witnesses for Me on this Point; and it is Needless to State the Matter Otherwise than it is Stated in Them. The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem. In Judaea Supplementary Note to Chapter ii. The Year of Christ's Birth. Two Famous Versions of the Scriptures The King's Herald. Commencement of the Legends Concerning Jesus --His Own Idea of his Supernatural Character. Blessed are they that Mourn The Messianic Prophecies in the Pentateuch. The Birth of Jesus. The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It. 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