The Advent Calendar - Pt. 12

 

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. (Matthew 2:7-12 ESV).

 

The “Herod” mentioned in our reading today had a colorful history. He overthrew the Hasmonean Antigonus in a three-year-long war between 37 and 34 BCE, ruled under the Roman occupation of Israel until his death ca. 4 BCE, and officially passed on the throne to his sons. This established the Herodian dynasty. Herod was granted the title of "King of Judea" by the Roman Senate. Most significant to the Christmas story is the fact that he was the man who tried to have Jesus murdered. With all his wealth and power, he came to complete ruin. Historical writings tell us that in the final year of his life, his body was infected with disease. Yet, he was in power at the birth of Jesus and thus the Magi come to him first seeking this “new king” whose star they had followed.

 

Ironically, Herod pretended to be a worshipper. He said to the wise men, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” (v. 8). Yet Herod was a false worshipper. There are people like him today. They say they believe in God, but they live a life that contradicts what the Scriptures teach.

 

Herod wanted to be the king of his own life, but he really was a slave. He ended up tormented by his illness and the thoughts of a wasted life. Like so many cruel dictators before and since, Herod ended up dying without hope or peace. He is a reminder to all of us that those who live wicked lives eventually will “reap what they sow.” All those who blaspheme God, fight with God, or try to stop the work of God eventually will fail. Yet God’s Word ultimately will prevail. The Apostle Paul reminds us: “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Philippians 2:9-11). Whose example are you following, Herod or Paul?