Wednesday, December 14, 2016
The Man Who Tried to Stop Christmas
Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared.—Matthew 2:7
King Herod was the man who tried to stop Christmas. With all his wealth and power, he came to complete ruin. Historical writings tell us that in the final year of his life, his body was infected with disease.
Ironically, Herod pretended to be a worshiper. He said to the wise men, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” (Matthew 2:8). Yet Herod was a false worshiper. There are people like him today. They say they believe in God, but they live a life that contradicts what the Scriptures teach.
Herod wanted to be the king of his own life, but he really was a slave. He ended up being not the King of the Jews but the king of fools. Herod ended up on the ash heap of history like dictators before and after him, reminding us that those who live wicked lives eventually will reap what they sow. Adolf Hitler went into his bunker and shot himself as his nation crumbled around him. Saddam Hussein was found hiding in a hole and was eventually executed by his own people. Muammar Gaddafi was hunted down by his own people, beaten, and shot to death.
All those who blaspheme God, fight with God, or try to stop the work of God eventually will fail. Yet God’s Word ultimately will prevail. Philippians 2:9–10 says, “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”
One day, everyone—every man, every woman, every believer, and every nonbeliever—will bow before Jesus Christ.
Today’s Radio Program
“Christ Before Christmas–1”
This Week’s TV Program
“What Is the Meaning of Life?”
Today’s Bible Reading
James 1-5
Used by permission from Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie, PO Box 4000, Riverside, CA 92514.
It has been a political year, hasn’t it? A lot of mudslinging. A lot of accusations. A lot of division, anger, and sadness. I think what we need to remember is that God is in control, He always has been, and always will be. Now that the elections are over, let’s get back to the things that really matter. Eternal things. Spiritual things.
Let’s get back to calling people to a relationship with God because He is the only one who can really bring true and lasting hope. Will you help me proclaim the message of hope—the gospel—to our country? By giving a year-end gift to Harvest Ministries you can bring this important message to those who needed it. Please make a year-end donation now »
