Jesus Is Coming Again
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Matthew 2 and Psalm 7:1-5 (NIV)
(Carol Liew, Worship and Music Ministry)
READ:
Read Matthew 2, focusing on Matthew 2:10-12
OBSERVE:
Herod felt threatened by Jesus’ birth and did all he could to identify, locate and destroy Jesus the baby. He knew the prophecies but instead of turning his heart to Jesus, he tried to escape the inevitable and chart his own path.
In contrast, the wise men, after their encounter with Herod, followed the star of the East to Bethlehem (v9). They were filled with joy (v10), worshipped Jesus (v11), and when it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them not to return to Herod (v12). They listened carefully to God’s instructions and obeyed.
Though they had physically left Jesus after worshipping Him, He remained very much alive in their hearts as they heeded God’s warning. They neither ignored Jesus nor acted out of fear for their lives but moved forward under God’s guidance. They were able to do this because they had experienced a transforming encounter with Jesus and lived as though He was present with them.
APPLY:
How have I lived my life since I’ve come to know Jesus? Sometimes I live as though Jesus has come and gone. I feel like Herod in this story when I focus only on the here and now.
For us today, Jesus is not just alive, but He is coming again! I want to be like the wise men— always discerning, joyful, and transformed after worshipping Christ, and faithful and obedient even in the face of danger. This change in my heart is only possible because I know that Jesus lives and is coming again. He will fulfil all His promises, and we will be with Him in eternity. My life today is but temporal, and I need to live in the light of His coming again.
DO:
I will reflect on whether I am more like King Herod or the wise men. As I start 2026, I will remember that Jesus is coming again and commit to living like the wise men— carefully observing where He is guiding me, following Him and obeying His Word.
I will commit my plans for 2026 to the Lord. As He brings new seasons into my life, I will choose to follow God’s prompting like the wise men did, worship Jesus and carefully obey God’s instructions to me.
PRAY:
Dear God, I commit my plans for 2026 to You. You have placed me in my family; my school or workplace; amongst friends; and communities for a purpose and a season. Grant me the clarity of vision to follow the Star, courage and perseverance to be obedient to Your call, and to make decisions in the knowledge that Jesus is coming again! Thank You God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
