Get Prepared for the Promises
Watch or listen to
the full sermon here.
Preached by Pastor Mike Woodard
Follow The Valley Church
The Bible is filled with promises—promises about God’s character, His plans, and His faithfulness to humanity. Throughout history, God has proven Himself to be a promise maker and a promise keeper. One of the clearest demonstrations of that faithfulness is found in the birth of Jesus.
In this message from our series Man of His Word, we turn to Matthew 2 to see how God fulfilled ancient Old Testament prophecies surrounding the birth of Christ. As we examine the story of the wise men, King Herod, and the prophetic significance of Bethlehem, we discover not only how God keeps His word—but what that means for our lives today.
The Birth of Jesus Changed Everything (Matthew 2:1–2)
Matthew 2 records the events immediately following the birth of Jesus. Because we often associate Jesus’ birth with Christmas traditions, it’s easy to forget how monumental this moment truly was. The birth of Christ didn’t just inspire celebration—it altered the course of human history.
The arrival of Jesus literally divided time itself into before and after. His birth set off a chain reaction of events—some joyful, some tragic—that revealed the world’s response to the presence of God in the flesh. When Jesus entered the world, people were forced to decide how they would respond to Him.
One of the first responses came from an unexpected group: the wise men.
Who Were the Wise Men—and Why Did They Follow a Star?
Matthew tells us that wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem searching for “the king of the Jews.” Contrary to popular tradition, Scripture never tells us how many wise men there were—only that they brought three gifts.
Most scholars believe these men were pagan astrologers from the east, possibly Babylon. They were educated, skilled in reading the stars, and likely had access to Old Testament writings due to Jewish exile in that region. Two factors may explain why they followed the star:
Old Testament Prophecy – Numbers 24:17 foretells that a star would come from Jacob, symbolizing a coming ruler.
Cultural Belief – In pagan astrology, unusual celestial activity often signified the birth of a king.
Whatever the exact reason, God used what they understood to lead them to truth.
God’s Timing Is Always Perfect
There is a fascinating layer to the story of the star. Light from stars can take anywhere from 4 to 20 years to reach Earth. That means the star guiding the wise men may have been set in motion years before Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel—long before the manger, before Bethlehem, before Christmas night.
God was already working behind the scenes.
The same God who orchestrated the timing of the stars knows the timing of your life. Nothing is random. Nothing is late. Even before Jesus could speak a word, His presence was drawing people—Gentiles, outsiders, and pagans—toward Himself.
King Herod’s Response: Threatened Authority (Matthew 2:3–6)
Not everyone responded to Jesus with wonder.
When King Herod heard about the birth of a new king, he was deeply troubled. Why? Because Jesus represented a threat to his authority. Even as a baby, Jesus intimidated earthly power.
Herod gathered the chief priests and scribes to search the Scriptures, and they pointed to Micah 5:2—an Old Testament prophecy declaring that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Once again, God’s word proved reliable.
The birth of Jesus demanded a response—and Herod responded with fear.
A Mirror for Our Own Hearts
Herod’s story isn’t just about ancient politics—it’s about the human heart.
Like Herod, we often resist surrendering control. Jesus doesn’t only confront corrupt kings; He challenges the throne of our hearts. Our natural inclination is to protect our authority, manage our own lives, and resist outside rule—even when that rule is loving and perfect.
The question becomes unavoidable: Who is on the throne of your life?
Are we clinging to control, or are we willing to surrender to the One who created us and knows us best?
The Wise Men’s Worship and Their Gifts (Matthew 2:9–12)
When the wise men finally arrived in Bethlehem, they rejoiced. They entered the house, saw Jesus with Mary, and fell down in worship. Their response stands in stark contrast to Herod’s fear.
They presented three gifts—each rich with meaning:
Gold – Symbolizing Jesus’ kingship
Frankincense – Representing His role as our Great High Priest
Myrrh – Foreshadowing His sacrificial death
These gifts aligned perfectly with who Jesus came to be: King, Priest, and Sacrifice.
The wise men came prepared because they believed God might truly be a man of His word.
Living Prepared for the Promises of God
The wise men studied the prophecies and lived expectantly. They didn’t show up empty-handed—they came prepared to see God’s promises fulfilled.
The same invitation is extended to us.
If we know that God keeps His word, how should that shape the way we approach Scripture, prayer, worship, and daily life? What would change if we lived with expectation instead of hesitation?
As we move forward, may we be people who come prepared—ready to see God do what He has always done: remain faithful to His promises.
Final Thought
God has never failed to keep His word. From ancient prophecies to modern lives, He remains faithful. The question is not whether God will keep His promises—but whether we are ready when He does.