How the Wise Men Caused a Generation to die
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the days of Herod the king, wise men from the east came to a Jerusalem to worship Him.
These men were called “wise” because they had the discernment to look at a star in the east and understand that there was something different about it. While others could not get it, these men were being prophetically led. Their heart was good, their motive was good – to seek the “born king” and worship Him.
But along the journey, they were interrupted by Herod’s palace. They lost their focus and were found engaging with this earthly king. May be they thought that the king that they were seeking would be found in this palace. They lost sight of the star and ended up fixing their gaze on the shiny, glittery palace.
Later the Bible says, “as soon as they departed from the palace, they began to see the star again. And they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy” (Matt 2:10). Then being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
Result of their missed focus
Although the wise men later did a course correction, their one wrong step caused an entire generation to be wiped off. When Herod saw that he was deceived by the wise men, in his anger he put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts from two years old and under.
Lesson for us parents?
A generation was lost because the wise men lost their focus. Ouch, this is so painful! Here are three lessons we as parents can learn from the story:
1. Parents, you are the watchman over your children.
And not just them, but the generations that stand behind them. Don’t let your focus be diverted. Your assignment is to steward your children to their God-destiny. Don’t let your job, house or ministry become your primary focus. Be steady and consistent in your walk with God. Be motivated to do it even when you don’t find anyone else in your circle doing it. Keep growing in your love for Him and His Word. Protect the priests, prophets that God has placed in your house.
2. We cannot depend on yesterday’s Word to sustain us.
The direction God gave when you started your journey as parents, and the prophetic word God spoke over your children– that’s great. But you need something greater – you need a “now word” from God, everyday.
3. It’s never too late.
Don’t think your children are grown up now and it’s too late for you to interfere in their lives. As godly authorities, you can spiritually interfere in their lives any time. Humble yourself before God and begin seeking direction from His Word and God will give you wisdom and strategies to raise your children.
From all of us at Team NOP, wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year 2023.
