JANUARY 13, 2023
16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious
Proverbs 29:25
25 Fear and intimidation is a trap that holds you back. But when you place your confidence in the Lord, you will be seated in the high place.
What's wrong with the world? Have you ever asked that? Have you heard someone ask that kind of question?
As I was writing yesterday's devotional it occurred to me that what we were reading was a comparison of two kings, two kingdoms, two opposite world views. On the one side we have a kingdom of fear and on the other a kingdom of Peace. Now perhaps I am being a too simplistic here, yet I’ll risk it to point out that I see something in this story of Matthew 2:13-18 that just might give an answer to our opening question: What’s wrong with the world?
Do you recall the question that resulted in Herod being in a panic? The Magi asked, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?” When Herod heard this, he was frightened, and disturbed.
Herod knew his status as ruler was fragile. He had gained and then maintained his power through brute force and political manipulation. He had little support from the common people around Jerusalem. Discontent with his rule was so high that as one historian wrote, “a small spark could create a firestorm of revolution.” Herod lived in constant fear–no matter how many enemies he tortured and executed; he knew the number of his opponents continued to grow. That’s what the kingdom of fear looks like, violent, suspicious of those around you, always looking over your shoulder to watch for who or what might emerge from the shadows. An awful way to live, I suggest.
King Jesus on the other hand represented a kingdom of Peace and Love. Remember the word we translate as Peace is the Hebrew word and concept of “Shalom”. Shalom means peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquility. These are the markers of Jesus Kingdom. The prophets declared a peaceable kingdom would be ushered in by the Messiah, angels announce that “good news” comes out of Bethlehem. Do you recall what comes next? “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ….. then bursting into song they sing “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Jesus exposed the violence of power politics. He goes on to show us that God’s merciful kingdom is available right now to break this spiral of violence. The story of Jesus is about the presence of God’s healing mercy in human history. This mercy enters a world of conflict. It is because we have so much conflict that we so desperately need God’s mercy. The tidings of Jesus’ birth are tidings of a new expression of God’s abundant mercy and healing.
What’s wrong with the world? Could it be that far too many people, rulers, governments, etc. live in the Kingdom of Fear? When you exist in this kingdom fear makes you do violent and ruthless things. This Kingdom divides people into insiders and outsiders.
Jesus said in John 3: 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. Their deeds are considered evil because they live out of a place of fear. Yet, even so Jesus offers a different choice, peace and love. Remember, 1 John 4:18? “Perfect love drives out fear.”
So, we are given a choice, live in the Kingdom of fear or join Jesus and live in the Kingdom of Peace (shalom). What Kingdom will we choose?
LET US PRAY
Jesus we thank you that your perfect love drives out fear. Would you remind us today of those times when our fears have been dispelled by your perfect love. We choose the Kingdom of Peace over living in fear. May we glorify Your name this day in ways great and small, that will reflect that perfect love which is without fear. Amen
Wherever you go, God is sending you.
Wherever you are, God has put you there.
God has a purpose in your being right where you are.
Christ, who indwells you by the power of his Spirit,
wants to do something in and through you.
Believe this and live in his grace, his love, his power.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen
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