Fulfilled Prophecy Still Demands a Response
Devotional Reading: and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: – Matthew 2:4-5 ESV
One surprising part of the Christmas story is that the people who knew the Scriptures best were not the ones who went to see Jesus. The religious leaders could accurately quote where the Messiah would be born, yet they stayed comfortable while the wise men traveled far. This exposes an uncomfortable truth. Knowledge of prophecy does not automatically produce participation in fulfillment. Knowing the Bible and responding to the Bible are two different things.
Many believers assume that because God has fulfilled His promises, their responsibility has ended. Christmas shows us the opposite. Fulfillment increases responsibility. When God reveals truth, He expects movement, not admiration. The wise men acted on limited information, but they acted in faith. The religious leaders had full information but remained passive. Revelation that does not lead to obedience eventually becomes religious familiarity.
You see, hearing sermons, reading devotionals like this, and knowing Scriptures are not the goal. Alignment is the goal. God is not impressed by how much we know if it does not change how we live. Christmas reminds us that God’s fulfilled promises are invitations to deeper surrender, not excuses for spiritual comfort.
Prayer and Confession
Father, help me respond rightly to Your truth. I confess that my faith will produce obedience, not just knowledge. I choose alignment over convenience and action over familiarity. Amen!
Further Reading: James 1:22, Luke 11:28, John 14:21
