God leads us to worship Him. Those attached to His blessings are troubled when led to give things up for Jesus. Those attached to authority are troubled when taught humility. Herod, troubled and attached to authority did not act like the wise men coming to worship the King of the Jews. Following God, the wise men bowed before little King Jesus. Their actions encourage us to respond the same way.

Christmas is full of plans. But plans don’t always go according to plan. That was true the very first Christmas - at least for Joseph. He was engaged, soon to be married. Then his fiance got pregnant - that wasn’t part of the plan. But the story in Matthew helps us see the big picture. It was all going exactly according to God's plan, and that made all the difference. This wasn't a normal birth.

The more we understand our salvation, the more we should marvel at His mercy, wonder at His wisdom, and exalt His excellence. In Romans 1-11, God has pulled back the curtain, as it were, and let us glimpse His salvation plan. Let your soul be captivated once again and join the angels saying, "Glory to God in the Highest” as you listen to Romans 11:33-36.

Jesus provided salvation, but will Israel be saved? In Romans 11, Paul affirms that Israel has not been permanently set aside. God's promises to them are still sure. In God's plan, He will keep His promises to Israel and offer salvation to the world. We are humbled, grateful, and amazed by God's mercy. He keeps his promises generously. All Israel will be saved. Everyone who believes will be saved.