The Strange Providence of Christmas

I've always been intrigued by the story of the wise men, probably mostly because of the mystery and curiosity of it all. There has been a lot of ink spilled on the left-out details of the story. Who were these men? Were they Babylonian astrologers? Were they king-makers, or kings themselves? Were they interested in just the Jewish prophecies, or the writings of many religions? How did they come about interpreting this prophecy of the star so accurately when it is difficult for even us to understand? 
     There are some elements of history that give clues, but mostly it is speculation. There are traditional details past down, like the names of the wise-men; but even these traditions are questionable. All we know are the details of Matthew 2. They came, they sought him in Jerusalem, they were directed to Bethlehem, and there they worshipped and gave gifts. 
     Now, the point of the story in Matthew is that these Magi were the first Gentile worshippers of the new-born Christ. Matthew is very interested in Jesus' dealings with non-Jewish people. Consider his emphasis in Jesus' genealogy, making sure to include women like Rahab and Ruth. Or how about his interaction with the Roman Centurion, of whom he said, "I have not found faith like this in all of Israel!". Or even more famous, what about the Canaanite woman who Jesus healed, and also noted her faith? Yes, these mysterious Magi "from the east" would typify many who would come to know and worship Christ from a Gentile background.
     Yet, to me, the most amazing, humbling, and providentially stimulating aspect of the story of the wise men is not their long journey, not even their interest in the star or the prophecy. The most amazing part of their journey takes place in their last 5 miles, the distance from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. This is where the strange providence of Christmas comes in, and it shows us much about how God works.
     The story begins in this way: "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,  saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-2) You have to imagine the scene for it to really hit you. Here come these obviously-Eastern men, most likely with quite an entourage, into the Jewish capital of Jerusalem, and they begin to ask "Where is the new-born King?" Whether they went directly to the place where Herod was, or whether they were directed there by those who heard the question, the fact remains that their search and inquiry would have been immediately shocking.
     "A new King? We didn't know Herod had any recent offspring?" And if the people of Jerusalem were surprised, Herod would have been incensed. Not known for his diplomacy or meekness, Herod's first inclination would have been bloodshed. And we see that in the story.
     Later in the narrative, the Magi depart, and Joseph is told this information. "And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” (Matthew 2:13) 
     But the strange providence is not in Mary and Joseph escaping the wrath of Herod, nor is it in the fact that the Magi avoided giving Herod Jesus' location. The strange providence in the story is that it was through Herod's instruction that they were first directed to Bethlehem. "Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” (Matthew 2:7-8) 
     Providence, in terms of theology, can be defined as "God's purposeful sovereignty." That is, the way that God works in and through human action to accomplish His purpose through, in conjunction with, or even in spite of human actions. Even sinful ones. We cannot doubt God's sovereignty and His power to do whatever He pleases. We see that in Creation, where every molecule created bows before God's spoken word. But in providence, the details of the stories are more complicated. 
     Even in this story, we see two kinds of God's sovereign direction. The star, for instance, was a direct action of God. It was a miraculous star in its appearance and movement. There was no human interaction in the movement and making of that special star. In that case, it was very clear - God did something. But in the case of providence, like with the direction of Herod, God's movement is a little more "behind the scenes." Yet, being veiled in human work, it is still very much God's work.
     Sometimes God works His providence through righteous people and righteous actions. Sometimes he brings about good by way of the good works and good deeds of His people. But other times, and maybe more often than not, God's providence in human action is seen through unrighteous action, unrighteous deeds, and bad intentions (on the part of the humans). Herod's intention on passing along the direction to Bethlehem had zero good intention. He was using the Magi (at least he hoped to) to confirm Jesus' location so he could kill Him. His asking the chief priests and scribes about the prophecies was not so he could learn and be edified, but so that he could be more well-informed to save his own little kingdom.
     But God's kingdom overrode Herod's little kingdom in this case. Herod's directions were malicious, but they were accurate. And they were a means of confirming and helping the Magi accomplish their goal - which was to worship Jesus. Imagine that, the sinful and wicked actions of an evil ruler led to the worship of the true King, Jesus Christ.
     How else do we see this? Well, the most obvious example is the example of Joseph. The last 1/3 of Genesis is given to telling a huge story of Providence. Joseph's brothers had nothing but ill-intent in their actions against their brother. They had jealousy, strife, malice, and hatred. Yet, in the end, God used their actions to preserve their own lives, and the lives of millions in their day, and those who were preserved into the future. And what did Joseph say about all this? After Jacob's death, when the family was living in Egypt off the bounty of Joseph's planning, the brothers were certain that he would have his revenge. But he said this: "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." (Genesis 50:20) There it is so clearly. There were two parties at play, both with "intention." The 10 sons of Jacob "meant (intended) it for evil." But God, the greater worker behind the scenes, and over the scenes, "meant (intended) it for good." An the result was the salvation of many people.
     What about another example? Well, right in the middle of the story of Joseph, there is another story about Joseph's family. A woman named Tamar was married to the firstborn son of Judah (Joseph's brother), Er. Judah's son Er, however, was found to be a wicked man and his life was taken for his wickedness. In reality, the apple didn't fall far from the tree, because Judah's actions would prove to be wicked also. You can read the details in Genesis 38, but suffice to say, Judah was wicked in his dealings with his daughter-in-law Tamar on several fronts. Tamar herself, however, was also wicked in her revenge. She, playing the role of a prostitute, was able to seduce her own father-in-law to sleep with her. This illicit affair produced twin boys, Perez and Zerah. 
     How does Providence play into this? Well, if you read the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew chapter 1, you will find these names. "Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram..." So this strange providence comes right back into the Christmas story. Judah's family and the story of Tamar are full of wickedness - yet it was through this exact story that God worked to continue the line that would produce Jesus Christ, the Savior. 
     In Joseph's story, God intended the wicked actions of his brothers to save many people alive. In Tamar's story, God intended the evil actions of Judah and Tamar to produce offspring that would lead to Christ's birth. In the Magi's story, God intended the wicked action of Herod to lead the first Gentile-worshippers to Jesus. 
     Now, was the evil still evil? Of course. Was the evil really the action and decision of the evildoers? Absolutely. Did the wicked men do exactly what was in their heart, and do it by their on volition? Absolutely. But over it all, and through it, was God at work? You bet He was. God is powerful and wise and holy enough that his plan can include the real sinful actions and intentions of men, and somehow he can arrange and rule in them still, wicked as they may be. His righteousness is preserved, His holiness stays true, for God is not the originator of the wicked - but He is the ruler governor of them. How is this possible? Well, much of it is mystery. But most of it is "wonder."
     It is "wonder" because in the greatest examples, God's providence is shown directly in the coming of Christ. Even Christ's death was an event of evil intentions being governed and superseded by God's holy intentions. The Jews who rejected and called for Christ's death were actually guilty of rejection and false trial and execution, yet it was part of the plan all along. The Romans who executed an innocent man really drove the nails into Jesus' hands and feet, but "it pleased the Lord to crush Him." (see Isaiah 53)
     If this can be true in the big picture of God's plan of redemption, how much more is God able to rule in the "happy accidents" of our lives? In all our actions, God's providence is ruling. In our good and our evil, God is able to work. In the actions of kings and presidents and nations and businesses, God is not surprised by what takes place - rather, He is working in it. What is He doing? He is working them for good, according to His purpose. Good for his people - good for those who love Him, who are called by Him. There is great comfort in this. There is no excuse in it, our evil is still evil, and God still detests unrighteousness, but our evil cannot overthrow His rule. He is ruling even within it. 
     So, this Christmas season, praise the Lord for His curious and strange providence! Wonder, for the details of the birth of Christ, the overfilled inn, the shepherd's announcement, the magi's visit, the virgin birth, the humble beginnings were all part of the glorious plan. They were all part of the plan that led to your redemption, if you have indeed trusted Him! And in your life, God's purpose and His glory are being fulfilled in your life, and all around you, day-by-day. 

Merry Christmas!
Pastor Aaron Frost
December 9, 2022