HEROD’S EXAMPLE — Has It Infected Us?
© 2020 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)
At the time of Jesus’ birth, Herod was Jerusalem’s wicked ruler. After Jesus’ birth, wise men came from the east to see this newborn “King.” They approached Herod and asked,
“…Where is he that is born King of the Jews?…” (Matthew 2:2)
In Herod’s mind, such a “King” threatened his own throne!
By consulting with the Jewish leaders, Herod learned of the prophesy foretelling that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Thus, with great deceit, Herod told the wise men that he also wanted to worship this prophesied “King.” He asked the wise men to go to Bethlehem and find him. He said,
“… Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.” (Matthew 2:8)
However, Herod’s intended birthday present for Jesus was not worship, but death. He feared the usurpation of His own throne. But, in a dream, God warned the wise men about Herod’s evil plan. He told them not to return to Herod, but to return home using another route. Upon discovering that the wise men had scorned his instructions, Herod became very angry. He ordered the murder of all Bethlehem children who were two years old or less. God, however, warned Joseph to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus, thus defeating Herod’s wicked plan. Though many babies were destroyed, Jesus was safe.
The irony here is that Herod sought to destroy the only one who could forgive his sins. To protect his few remaining years of kingship, he rejected the only one who could save him from eternal horror. Scripture asks the following question:
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36)
Today, many are repeating Herod’s wicked choice. In the quest for “success,” folks, worldwide, are completely ignoring eternity. Some are subcontracting their spiritual security to churches and religious organizations which falsely claim the ability to provide eternal safety. Still others are destroying babies to free themselves from the burden of caring for them. In this they are much like Herod.
Miraculously born of a virgin, God the Son, Jesus Christ, lived a perfect and holy life. He then sacrificed Himself to pay the sin penalty for all who trust Him. Three days later, He rose from the dead, proving His victory!
During this time of year, we remember the Savior’s birth. Will you worship Him as Savior or reject him as Herod did?
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