Global Missions Conference

Daily Devotional

Day 9

“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 in the east and have come to worship him.’ When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed and all Jerusalem with him.” Matthew 2:1–3

Read: Matthew 2:1–12

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King Herod was disturbed and “all Jerusalem with him.” Some translate this as “troubled.” The passive voice in the verb indicates that this is an external agitation that is literally “received.” It could refer to something physical or to a mental disturbance. The Magi from the east, the star, the announcement of the birth of another king, all of this jolted Herod and Jerusalem’s residents. A different type of shock was experienced in the city of Kobe in Japan in 1995. It was January 17th when an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Japanese Meteorological Agency scale hit the city. Over six thousand were killed. Forty-five thousand people made homeless. Four-hundred thousand buildings destroyed. Three hundred fires lit. The stock market plunged. This “disturbance” was a wake-up call to establish measures to prevent or mitigate future disasters. New rubber blocks were installed under bridges, new buildings were built farther apart from each other, earthquake-proof shelters were constructed in public areas. Jesus’ first arrival was a disturbance to a great city. No one was really prepared. It took foreigners, the Magi, to see the signs and to act accordingly. And Jesus’ second coming will be no less disturbing. The prophet Zechariah exclaims, “On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. You will flee by my mountain valley for it will extend to Azel. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzzah, king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him” (Zechariah 14:4-5). The good news today is that Jesus has told us he will return. He has given us instructions for how to live until his Second Coming. He has given us his Holy Spirit to help us. Disciples today have all they need to prepare for the return of the King. However, many in the great cities of the world are not so prepared. They need the type of wake-up call that officials in Kobe received to get ready for the next big disturbance.  Zane and Elisse Kang, Park Street missionaries, discerned a call to the city of Kobe and are taking steps to serve in this great city. Yes, Jesus’ return is imminent, but we just don’t know when. Zane and Elisse will need great discernment to know how to live out their lives in ways that remain faithful to the gospel while being relevant to the culture of Kobe.
Question

What has been the biggest jolt in your life? How did it change you?

Action Step

Read what Jesus tells his disciples about his return in Matthew 24:36–50.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you promised to return to earth at a time we do not expect. We know many people in the world today do not even know your name. We know many will be jolted at your return. Send workers, like the Magi, into the cities of our world, like Kobe, to tell of the world’s true King. For your name’s sake, Amen.