December 16, 2023: The Sound Of Bitter Weeping In Ramah

"Thus says the Lord: "A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more." (Jeremiah 31:15, ESV)
 
Having experienced the surprise visit by the wise men, Herod is now troubled and threatened that another King has been born. One called the King of the Jews. According to Luke 2:39, we also know that Joseph and Mary returned to Nazareth after Mary's purification. "And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth." (Luke 2:39, ESV). According to the Word, we must assume that the wise men found Jesus in Nazareth, far from Bethlehem and Herod.

Most scholars agree that Jesus would have been about two years old when the wise men came looking to worship Him. This explains why Herod killed all the male children of Bethlehem, two years old and younger, when the wise men did not report back to him. Satan's rage is always against the plan of God. And bitter weeping is the fruit of his actions.

But let us find hope and remember that it was Jesus who said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10, ESV) Whatever heartbreak you may feel today, know that Jesus is your only answer and hope. Draw near to Him, and let Him draw near to you.