Herod, Day 15

Reading: Matthew 2:13-18

Herod was reigning in Jerusalem at the behest of Rome when Jesus was born. He wasn’t just any king, though. He was equally brilliant and mad – a man who built some amazing sites in his time but also so insecure he killed those he suspected were plotting against him, including a wife and son. So, it is no surprise that when the secular wise men showed up declaring a king had been born for Israel, it would send him into a tailspin.

After encouraging the magi to return to him after finding the Christ child under the guise of desiring to worship Him, Herod anxiously waited and plotted Christ's demise. Needless to say, Herod was enraged upon discovering that the wise men had secretly left town rather than reveal to him Jesus’ location. As a result, Herod embarked upon a murderous spree that would result in the death of all male children two and under in the vicinity of Bethlehem and the surrounding area.

But quite frankly, we all do. When we’re living only for ourselves, we seek to eliminate all that would challenge our reign, including the still small voice of the Spirit of God, who is wooing us to Himself. Unfortunately, there would be no redemption for Herod. It's up to us whether we surrender our self-made crowns to Christ and willingly hand our thrones to Him. Today, Herod's buildings continue to crumble, his legacy disappearing as only a footnote in history, while Jesus is alive and remains Lord over all. I encourage you today to abandon the pursuit of self and embrace the pursuit of Him. Jesus alone is the Eternal Lord, who gives everlasting life to all who bow before Him.