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Matthew 2:1-16 <- Click to read now
“…Those who rejected Jesus.” That’s the common theme I mentioned we would see throughout these readings in Lent, right? Herod’s rejection of Jesus baffles me. Before he could even think about the possibilities, he had already made up his mind and chose to keep going down his own path. I believe one of the reasons he rejected Jesus was because a new king would threaten his power and authority. In that rejection, he chose to use his power and authority to strike a devastating blow against the very people he should have been protecting.
Power can do horrible things in a person’s life. When someone abuses the power or authority they have, it hurts those around them and eventually ends up hurting the person abusing their power. Herod was a prime example of this, but surely, we can name others. Can we possibly name ourselves? More importantly, can we know Jesus well enough to listen to him and take his yoke upon us? Will we give Jesus the power and authority over our lives and trust him to guide us into the way that leads to life?
Lord, keep us humble through our experiences of having power, authority, or influence. Help us to know Jesus so deeply that we trust him in what we often protect at all costs. Help us to acknowledge Your power and authority over us, over our lives, and over our situations. May we bring You glory by releasing our guard over such things and by trusting them to Your care, that we might be a blessing through the power, authority, or influence we have. In Jesus’ name, Amen.