Abbey Christmas: Longsuffering Week 4 day 5
Day 5: Longsuffering and Sadness - King Herod’s Attack
Text: Matthew 2: 13-21
The angelic hosts were singing. The Magi and shepherds had traveled to bring gifts and worship and praise Him. Surely Mary and Joseph were overjoyed. The prophecies and promises had all been fulfilled. The Savior was born to reign in Judah, and God’s kingdom was about to be established and restored.
The scene was set. Jerusalem should have been ready for the celebration! What a joyous occasion for everyone. Well, everyone except King Herod. In Jesus’ birth, Herod knew that his rule was threatened, and according to Matthew 2, he progressed from being disturbed by the news to being murderously angry at the possibility of being unseated from his throne.
King Herod is an archetype, a reminder of a real enemy who knows that his power is limited and his defeat imminent. Jesus came to bring abundant, eternal life, but the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. In the text, King Herod can’t kill Jesus, but he is able to attack families, taking the lives of all the young male children in the region.
It’s amazing that in this text about the celebration of Christ, scripture pauses to remember the pain of those families who were grieving. It can be tempting for us to give in to the pressure to keep up appearances, to keep smiling and being hospitable and put on a brave face and act like everything is ok, even when we are really hurting inside. But that’s not what God requires of us. It’s ok to acknowledge what the enemy has stripped away and stolen. When we are real about our sadness and suffering and the broken places in our lives, we create space for the Lord to be the comfort we need.
In darkness, the light of the world shines bright. Isaiah prophesied, “Unto us a child is born, to us a son is given. The government is on His shoulders. And He is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” In suffering or sorrow, we hold onto our Savior. He understands our pain, and He was born to heal and restore. He is everything we need. He is our reason to celebrate.
Reflection
Morning Pause: Spend some time in prayer for families that have been under the attack of the enemy. Intercede for healing where there has been sickness, peace where there has been confusion, love where there has been anger, abundance where there has been lack and unity where there has been discord.
Afternoon Pause: Jesus was saved by His earthly Father’s obedience to His heavenly Father, leaving for Egypt. Are there areas of your life where God is leading your heart, shifting your direction or calling you to radical obedience? Capture in writing any specific instructions the Lord is giving you or your family right now.
Evening Pause: Traditions are important. Think through ways to honor the memory of any loved ones you have lost this year, or to connect in deeper ways with your family and friends. Include ways to honor Christ and ensure he remains prominent in the busyness of the season.