“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-2, NIV)
Try to imagine, for a minute, you are King Herod. You’re sitting on your throne, minding your own business, ruling your little corner of the world. Then, out of nowhere, come three foreigners. They march into YOUR throne room and ask to be led to the real king…the new king.
Surprised? Reminds me of a line from one of my favorite Christmas movies: “Oh Eddie, if I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn’t be more surprised than I am right now.”
Matthew tells us this news “disturbed” Herod – pink slips will do that. But the initial shock gives way quickly to hostility, and Herod plots to kill the baby Jesus.
It sounds like the story of a crazy king 2,000 years ago…but it’s eerily similar to our stories.
When we discover there’s a God who wants to be placed on the throne of our lives, the shock soon becomes rebellion. “The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.” (Romans 8:7-8, NIV)
But if you’ll fight the urge to rebel – if you’ll abdicate the throne, the King of kings will take the throne. His reign will usher in a new season of peace and joy into your life. That’s why the King has come.
