Having gotten very 21st century in my last couple of posts, I think it’s time to go all the way and explore some ‘minor characters’ in my last six posts leading up to Christmas Day.
Consider this their spin-offs.
Let’s start with Herod. He features in Matthew’s account of the Magi’s journey. Herod seems to know that he should be worried by this new king and, when given Old Testament prophecies, begins to seek the baby, Jesus out, via the Magi.
Herod strikes me as your typical despot.
He has advisors on hand. He gives commands to men from other lands. And he wants to kill anyone who opposes him.
However, if recently teaching a unit on political philosophy has taught me anything, it’s that no matter how strong a dictator thinks he is, there is always some separation of powers in play. The dictator never has the total control that they think they do.
Look at the Magi. They aren’t swayed by Herod at all.
Look at Joseph. Or more to the point, look at God giving him a didactic dream.
Herod does not hold all the power, like he thinks he does. Rather, God does.
And even though Herod in his rage orders killings, he does not kill Jesus, the actual baby that he sought.
And then, only a verse or so later, we read this:
After Herod died…
And he’s gone. Just like that.
Now sure, it could have been some time between when Jesus was born and when Herod died, but in terms of the impact… nothing to write home about.
Despite the size of his ego and the damage he does, Herod really is a minor character.
But what about us?
It’s very easy to read the account of Herod and think “Well this is all very disturbing but it’s a long time ago now and it’s really got nothing to do with me.”
I mean, the last thing we ever do is compare ourselves with ancient despots, right? We’re much better people than that.
Or are we?
Herod was opposed to the King of the Jews. What about you?
God loves you and he came into the world through a baby, on that very first Christmas. Currently our society thinks Jesus is someone to be laughed at, and the same to his followers.
Have you ever seen a child fight against a parent because they don’t realise that what the parent is trying to do for the child will actually be of benefit to them?
This is what it’s like when you oppose Jesus.
It’s nowhere near as sophisticated as it’s been presented to you as being. It’s actually an expression of ignorance.
Now, it’s not politically correct to say that. But wouldn’t you prefer to have someone tell you the truth?
Because, just like Herod, one day you’ll be gone. And then it will be too late.
There’s a psalm that says, “This is the day that the Lord has made.”
Yes, this is the day. Carpe Diem. Seize the Day.
Do you oppose Jesus? Why? Have you ever thought it through for yourself? Or have you just blindly followed what someone else told you?
We may be big in our own eyes, but we’re not running the show. On the world stage, we’re all just minor characters. Jesus is the only one on centre stage.
Yours just tidying up the mess left in the green room,
Alison
