When times get difficult, or troubling, people remind themselves that God is in control. What they mean by that is: God knows what is going on; he doesn't like it anymore than we do; and he is going to correct it to how he designed it to be.
All true. But it seems to me, that he does not always exercise his control like we expect him to. At least, he is not exercising his control now like we expect him to. If you read Revelations about how this world will end, and how he will bring a new world into existence, it seems that, at that time, he will act overtly, and openly, to correct what is broken in the world. But, now, he seems to act in a more hidden, and subtle, way.
In the East, a group of men, who study the stars, see an especially prominent, especially bright, star in the night sky. They study, and discuss it. They decide that it is a sign that a very important king has been born.
If you know that something gigantic, something historic, something that will totally revolutionize the world, was about to happen, would you go to witness it? Evidently, these wise men thought something really big was happening, and they should go and see it.
They planned, prepared, and set out on a long trip. Some estimate it was a two year trip, because of what happens later. But, the star stays in the sky, guiding them the whole way.
They see that the star guides them to Israel, and near the capital, Jerusalem. So, they assume that's where the new king is. They gain audience with Herod, and tell him about the star, and the new king.
Now, Herod is very jealous. He has executed his wives, and his children, because he thought they were plotting to overthrow him. So, he was worried about this new king.
He got as much information from the wise men as he could. And got them to agree to come and tell him about the new king, when they found him.
Now, Jesus, Joseph and Mary are in danger. If Herod kills his own children to "protect" himself, he would have no problem killing someone else's child.
But God is in control. He could put on a size 500 boot, and stomp Herod. He could send an army of angels. He could teleport Jesus, and family, to Egypt. Instead, he warns both Joseph, and the wise men, about Herod, and urges both to escape. And, through the wise men, he provides gifts to Joseph, so he can support his family, while they escape.
Why does God work this way? Maybe, because Jesus, and we have a certain mission, and a particular role, which requires we have particular mind-set, attitude, and life-style? And this mind-set, attitude, and lifestyle fulfills that mission and role, better than a size 500 boot?
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