December 27, 2007

• Herod

  For 34 years, Herod the Great ruled Judea. He was manipulative and cunning, shrewd and ruthless. He was so well connected with Rome that he felt empowered to do whatever he wanted. His rule was so absolute that he could order anyone to be killed, as he did with all the male children in the Bethlehem region. To escape his influence, Joseph took Mary and the baby Jesus to Egypt, returning only after Herod’s death.

  When the Magi arrived in Jerusalem, Herod was approaching the end of his life. Yet he remained passionate about preventing anyone from being a rival or limiting his power.

  Before his death, Herod tried to extend his influence beyond the grave, in his Will dividing his kingdom into three parts, each with a different ruler. When he suddenly died, the entire atmosphere changed.

  Throughout time, people have tenaciously sought power and prestige, honor and rewards. Once they’ve achieved these perks, many have found it impossible to give them up. Clinging to power, hoarding their wealth instead of being concerned about eternity, they have relentlessly focused on this present world. But the Bible encourages us to remember that life is short, and we should think about eternal things. Moses wrote, “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).

  Today, remember the words of Jesus: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away” (Matthew 25:35). Devote your life to things that won’t pass away: His Word and His Kingdom.

  • 8:31 am
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