Herod the king was troubled on hearing the birth of Jesus

Matthew 2:3-6
When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judæa: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, Art not the least among the princes of Juda: For out of thee shall come a Governor, That shall rule my people Israel.

The wwise men announcement of a Jewish king born in Israel made King Herod very anxious when he heard it. He was not a descendant of David, or even a true Jew; he was an Edomite, a descendant of Esau who married one of Ishmael’s daughters (Genesis 28:8-9). He had done well for himself as the puppet-king of the occupying Roman forces, but he did not know God or His Word.

But the prospect of a true Jewish king filled him with terror… he might be deposed … there might be a popular uprising which would threaten his job and life … especially if the Romans thought he was unable to control the Jewish people. That fear spread like wildfire among Herod’s court and alarmed the people of Jerusalem. A real King from God would upset their fragile social system in which the Romans allowed their religion provided that it did not threaten the Roman occupation (John 11:48).

Herod had no idea where this child might be. He called the theological experts to tell him. The answer was not difficult for them to give because the prophet Micah had written it down 700 years previously: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2). It was one of the well-known Messianic prophecies, but Herod was too absorbed with his own power and position to research the kingdom he occupied.

It is the same today. People who seek their own power and glory despise the Scriptures. Even though they profess to be spiritual, vain people invent their own wisdom. Although God has provided clear instructions about salvation, proud people think they can save themselves. Despite so many Old Testament prophecies being fulfilled in the life and ministry of Jesus, arrogant people dismiss Jesus’ prophecies of heaven and hell. But wise people are willing to look into the Scripture so that they can understand how to relate to their Maker; they find that His answers satisfy their essential questions. So, make it your objective to examine the Scriptures more carefully this month and have the courage to share God’s Word with somebody who has yet to put their trust in Him.

Prayer
God of all knowledge and wisdom. Thank You that You know everything, even before it happens. Thank You for Your Word which reveals Your character, how much You love me, and how I can live and work with You. Please give me a fresh hunger to read Your Word and the courage to share it with other people, even if they do not trust You at the moment. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.