Power, Prestige or Prayer
INTRO
“If you could percentile your level of Christmas Christianity; wherein would you be? We find in the biblical account of Matthew Chapter 2: three major role players: First, there was the political king and ruler (Herod); the one who was perplexed that this new born King Jesus might loosen the iron clad fist of his self-grip regarding his powerful earthly kingdom of temporality! Next, the religiosity of the priests of Israel; they were selfishly fearful that peoples favor, love and devotion toward them would be diverted to this so called Messiah; thus, losing earthly pomp, popularity and favoritism? Last, there were the wise men; who were immediately obedient and diligently sought out this King of Kings, Lord of Lords; at all cost. Yes, this miraculous virgin born babe (Isaiah 7:14), the Messiah, Isaiah’s prophetical “Wonderful, Counsellor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Truly, God incarnate!
So let’s turn back to the percentile question: How much of you is currently pursuing a Herod like earthly power? How much of you is currently seeking a religious priest like prestige of worldly honor and affectionate pomp? And then, how much of you is sincerely seeking the “men of wisdom” worship, which is devoted unceasingly towards Christ this Christmas Day? Ref: Dave Tack, December 25, 2013.
Today, I want to reflect upon each of our percentile weaknesses and provoke us to strive, to be permeated with Him; becoming less Herodian, less religious, and more worshipful.”
The Setting: Matthew 2:1: “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.”
HEROD- Was All About Earthly Kingdom Power
Herod was a “ruthless murderer, he had his own wife and her two brothers slain because he suspected them of treason. He was married at least nine times in order to fulfill his lusts and strengthen his political ties.” Ref: Wiersbe, Warren. Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament: The King’s Birth (Matthew 1 and 2). n.d. e-Sword, Version 10.0.5.
Important Intermission for a Critical Contrasting Clarification: Jesus Kingdom spans well beyond the measly temporal kingdom of Herod:
1) Jesus Kingdom is found in the hearts of His children and is limitless.
2) Jesus Kingdom is present whenever His will is being accomplished: It is omnipresent.
3) Jesus Kingdom is from eternity past. It will last forever; never to be destroyed!
Let’s Get Back to Herod:
First, Herod was a non-Jew: He was of Edomite descendent (Idumean). In his past history his people were somewhat forced to accept Judaism during the reign of the Maceabeans
Second, Herod was a puppet; he received his authority from Rome.
Third, To Herod, Jesus was a threat to his POWER and a potential challenger to his hard sought after throne!
This non-Jewish was fearful of what others were calling a Jewish King!
In VERSES 3 and 4 we see a few characteristics in Herod: (3) When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. (4) And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
WHY was Herod (and Jerusalem troubled) . . . We find in Verse 6: 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. (This is where Herod was currently in power; and it was over God’s people of Israel).
Herod’s Game Plan
WHY was the time of the stars appearance important to Herod . . . because Herod was already planning to cruelly destroy his competitor Christ!
Mat 2:7-8
(7) Then Herod, when he had privily [secretly] called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. (8) And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
IS THIS A BAD THING? Maybe not . . . it depends on motive; which we will see in (vs. 16) . . . . Matthew 2:16: Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth (incensed. As the sea . . . stormy, violent and turbulent), and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
HEROD’S MANMADE SOLUTION TO HIS PROBLEM: Eliminate the source of his problem (in this case the young infant Jesus). NOTE: This was to be accomplished at ALL costs. In this case the lives of several young male children were taken.
CHALLENGE: Honestly, is it even possible to eliminate God incarnate? Perhaps, this morning you have a problem and you are blaming Christ? What’s your solution? What are you willing to destroy in the process to accomplish such a goal?
THIS MORNING: Maybe you are trying to establish a Herod type kingdom (self-perpetuated and aided by Rome [the world]; AND, there is no room in the inn of your heart for Jesus and His Kingdom?
We won’t go into great detail about this second group: The PRIESTS
We find in Matthew 2:4-6
(4) Herod “gathered all the chief priests and scribes (mostly of the aristocratic party) of the people . . ., demanded . . . . where Christ should be born. (5) And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Juda: for thus it is written by the prophet, (6) And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Judea: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
The priests knew this babe was the Messiah because it was fulfilled prophecy; yet, for the most part they rejected Christ. WHY? Because it meant stepping down from the religious pedestal they had placed themselves upon.
APPLICATION: Perhaps this is why there is no room in your heart for King Jesus this morning? Why? Maybe, it’s because it is inconvenient and you will have to decrease and allow Christ preeminence in your life?
Then there is the Third Group: The WISE MEN
Mat 2: 9-11
(9) When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. (10) When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. (11) And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
The Wise Men were men of action: “When they heard”. . . “they departed.”
Have you heard of the Christ, the One who can reconcile man to God? . . . Have you acted: to depart from self-righteousness and believed upon this Messiah. This morning will you confess Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?
My friend, are you willing to depart from any Herodian-type self proclaiming power that is fueled by worldly Rome. What about the self seeking admiration of the High Priest?
Let’s Note some WISE MEN TYPE CHARACTERISTICS
They possessed exceeding AND great Joy
They fell down and worshiped
Thayer notes, “among the Orientals, especially the Persians, to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence. Ref: Thayer. Matt. 2:11.
They presented not just gifts; BUT treasures: (a receptacle where valuables are kept).
We find in Luke 12:34: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” So, consider the presentation of your treasure to God this morning must stem from and involve the heart.
SO, where are you on the Matthaean grid with regards to the Christmas story?
Have you embraced this miraculous gift from God or are you waning towards a falsified Herodian style power movement?
Maybe, you are a religious figure head chasing the affections of unstable humanity?
Prayerfully, you can say . . . I have exceeding and great joy and am presenting the treasures of my life for the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords. If not . . . this is what you must do today before it is too late:
(A) Admit you are a sinners and like ALL other humans, you need a Savior (Romans 3:10, 23).
(B) Believe that God has made a way for restoration: through Jesus Christ
NOW, God is asking you to be like the wise men: a person of action: DEPART from every other device; and, obediently:
(C) CONFESS Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior AND Give Him the treasures (valuables) of your life (Lordship).
WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO THAT? IF SO, let us know so we can spend more time showing you how to be like the WISE MEN of the Christmas story . . . not just for a few hours but for eternity!
