Herod Is Not a Good Listener
Scripture Reading — Psalm 19:7-14; Matthew 2:3-23 SUN.,
When king Herod heard this he was disturbed …
Matthew 2:3
Herod the Great was an energetic builder, a great organizer, and a powerful king. But he was not a good listener. He didn’t listen to God’s invitation that came in the words of the wise men. Herod didn’t really want to worship the newborn king at all.
Ask yourself some questions: In Herod’s mind, were any of the statutes of the Lord trustworthy? No—unless they advanced his own kingdom. In Herod’s opinion, did the commands of the Lord give light to the eyes? No—unless they served his purposes. Were the ordinances of the Lord more precious than gold? Nope. Do you suppose Herod was the kind of person who would read the instructions of God, examine his life, and then discern any hidden faults? No—Herod was a law unto himself and was unable to keep from willful sins. His personal pride and fear of losing his position drove him to more scheming, manipulation, lying, and, eventually, hideous murder rather than awe and wonder.
But God moved Herod out of the way. God brought his salvation to the world in spite of Herod’s power and plotting. God even made use of Herod’s scheme so that another of the old prophecies would be fulfilled—the one about God calling his Son out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1).
It turns out that God is mighty enough to use good listeners and bad ones.
Lord, “may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight.” You are “my Rock and my Redeemer,” my Savior and my God. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — David Den Haan
Pastor Dave Den Haan has served at Fairway Christian Reformed Church in Jenison, Michigan, since 1999. Previously he served a church in Minnesota. Dave and his wife, Connie, have three children.
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