What’s the difference between an insider and outsider? It’s all about perspective. Sometimes, those whom we believe are insiders have no clue, whereas the outsiders ‘get it’. In Today’s Holy Nougat, for example, all characters have a role in God’s plans. But not all we’re insiders.
Matthew 2:2-3 NLT
““Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem.”
Insiders vs Outsiders
From a rulership perspective, Herod was an insider. As a Roman appointed king, Herod’s influence was likely to be vast, whether or not he was popular among the common people. In a somewhat strange way, we also note he was expected to be aware of Y’shua’s birth. It could have been the expected protocol, or just an assumption on the part of the Magi. But Herod was totally unaware of the prophesy surrounding the Messiah’s birth. One could say that made him an outsider.
On the other hand, the Magi were not Jews.
Whether they bore positions of great importance in their home country or not, they were not influencers in Rome, or in Israel.
They could easily be classified as Gentiles, given their study of the stars and even their origins. In that closed Jewish society, they were most definitely outsiders. Yet, they were the ones entrusted with unraveling the mystery of the Messiah. In that sense, they were insiders where it mattered … with God.
Self-Check
Are we insiders or outsiders where it truly matters?
Application
Siblings, that the Magi were studying the stars enough to determine that the pattern was consistent enough to match prophecy, speaks volumes about their priorities. For them, meeting the Savior was far more important than anything else. So much so, that they charted the course, using all the resources at their disposal.
I challenge each of us to consult our resources today – the Bible, Prayer Time, connecting with other believers – to equip ourselves for being insiders with Y’shua. When we do, I guarantee that we will have found Him in our hearts.
Point to Ponder
How open are we to doing likewise? Or are we more concerned about being insiders in spaces of human influence?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
