Friday, December 18, 2009

Merry C(h)ristmas

Herod

Matthew 2
King Herod was an Isrealite. While he was not the rightful heir to the throne, he had taken power anyway. He was a ruthless, hard ruler who had personally benefited from the power of Rome in Isreal. But he was an Isrealite; one of God's 'chosen people.' He was seeking Jesus out of fear of losing his power.

The Magi were not Isrealites, but simply wise men and kings from far off lands who together somehow knew that God was doing something special in that time. They were seeking Jesus because they wanted to worship this child for whom they believed God had placed a new star in the night sky.

The Magi obeyed the revealed message of God in their hearts, revealed to them through a means they could relate to. Herod, on the other hand, was rebelling against God, although he had the written word of God at his disposal.

May we ever be like the Magi, seeking God merely to worship Him!

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