Are your ambitions and passions threatened by the real king?

Herod

“When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.” (Matthew 2:3 N.I.V)

King Herod the Great lived a decadent life and went to great lengths to maintain his position as king, even going as far as killing his own sons to quell their threat to his throne.  He was therefore greatly disturbed upon hearing the report by the wise men about the birth of the King of the Jews: for he feared he would be deposed. All Jerusalem was fearful of the likely turmoil of Herod’s wrath.  They were also steeped in moral decadence and no longer pursued the truth and God’s cause. The were not ready for a spiritual savior.

Is a new king welcome in your heart or do you reject him because of the ambitions, passions, and lusts which you are not ready to relinquish?  As you celebrate Christmas does the thought of celebrating the birth of a savior and redeemer trouble you so much that you have replaced these thoughts with heights of self indulgence? Join Simon and Anna (the faithful remnant), the shepherds, and the Magi in rejoicing at the birth of the Savior. “For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations” (Luke 2: 30-31)

*****

Whether we fall by ambition, blood, or lust, like diamonds we are cut with our own dust.  John Webster

*****