Embracing Discomfort for A Better Future

Most of us are familiar with the Christmas story. The one where Jesus, our mighty King, is born in a manger as a helpless babe, despite death threats from Herod. He comes to Mary and Joseph in a little town called Bethlehem. To crown His coming, there is a spectacular display of angels singing songs of praise to the newborn King.

I noticed something new, reading this story in Matthew 2. All of Jerusalem was disturbed when they heard there was a new king, not just Herod.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

When King Herod heard, this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
Matthew 2:1-3, NIV

Herod’s actions show that he feared losing his throne. The reason for Herod’s discomfort is clear, but we are left wondering why Jerusalem also felt disturbed.

New kings brought change and this likely made the people uncomfortable. Political regime changes in kingdoms often cause war and disruption of daily life. Thus, maintaining the known was less disruptive to the people of Jerusalem. Perhaps Herod was not the best king, but the people had adapted their lives to his regime, and they did not want to learn a new way of life under a new king.

We are sometimes like the people of Jerusalem. We know that a better future awaits us if we make changes, but making changes is hard. Often, comfort wins over change in the moment and we remain the same.

Today’s devotional is a challenge to us. Are we like the people of Jerusalem, disturbed that the new king has come to save us? Or do we embrace the change, seek Jesus our King, and live for Him?

I pray that we embrace the discomfort of change for a better future in Jesus.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, today we ask for the strength to embrace any change needed to become more like You. May Your light shine brightly through us, now and forever more. Amen!