MATHEW 2:16-18

When Herod realised that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:

“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning,

Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”

TO PONDER

It's a troubling passage of scripture, I know. Not really one that helps you maintain the 'joy' of Christmas, and for that I am sorry.

However, we are quick to deplore the violent and atrocious reaction of Herod to this news that a new 'King' had been born. But I wonder if our reaction is really that much different.

I'm not suggesting that any of us have gone out and been responsible for mass infanticide the same way Herod did, but our response to the 'threat' of a new Lord of our lives, a new 'king' in our hearts is sometimes no less destructive.

The harsh words we speak when motivated by frustration and anger rather that the love our Lord calls us to show, the deceptions and lies we offer ourselves and others in order to cover our own failings rather than speaking the truth our Lord calls us to speak. The acts of violence and vengeance expressed when our Lord calls us to mercy and forgiveness. Each of these (and you may think of others) diminish life when, Our Lord and Saviour and King who came to bring life and life in all its fulness asks us, his people to do likewise.

Herod messed up. No question about that. The question is do we really to that much better? How will you bring life into the world today?

PRAYER: Jesus, I confess I have not always granted you the seat of 'Lord of my life' or 'king of my heart'. Help me to move aside and let you take your rightful place. Lord have your way in me. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle.