December 11th
David was learning to play chess. He knew the object of the game was to put the opposing king in a position where the player would have to lay down his king and give in. David and his Dad would play a game or two, often on a quiet Sunday afternoon. It was one such day, when David asked…
“Was Jesus higher than King Herod?”
“I have two answers; yes and no. As a child and growing into a man, Jesus would never be a King to challenge Herod. However, as God, he was and always will be, King of all Kings.”
“Is that why Herod wanted to kill Jesus?”
“Yes, he was afraid he would lose everything he had fought hard to keep.”
Herod had a lot to lose. He had been married ten times and had fourteen children. There was much intrigue and deception in the family and Herod had even murdered his second wife Mariamne, their two sons and many of Mariamne’s family. A jealous man, Herod knew fear and ruled his kingdom by fear.
Jesus the Christ entered our world as king of all kings. He comes with ultimate power but chooses not to use it. God’s plan always is to invade our hearts with love – LOVE is only love, when it is returned.
The kingdom Christ speaks of is the kingdom hereafter. However, this kingdom begins here and now, when we accept God’s love and forgiveness. God’s kingdom is a dimension we rarely see or experience; for most of the time we are oblivious to it. We are blinded by the dominant experiences of this world. We need to be as vulnerable as the Christ child – not armed and ready for battle. The greater strength is LOVE.
Micah 5: 2 & 4 – A promised ruler from Bethlehem
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
“He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.”
Prayer
Father God, you reign together as one. Help me to lay down my readiness for battle. Heal the wound that swells my anger within. Increase my capacity to love you, my God. May I find that love overflowing to those around me. I ask this prayer from my deepest need, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Tomorrow – Sleepy Shepherds