Who is my Herod?

 Today is Epiphany - the arrival of the Wise Men at the feet of Jesus.  By now the Christmas decorations are down and ‘normal’ service has resumed whatever that means these days!  But it is actually a season of light.  Having followed God’s Light we are called to be light, helping others find God who is always closer than we realise. 

Readings for today included Genesis 6 (the beginning of Noah’s story) and Matthew 2:1-12 (The Wise Men).  Reading these two passages together reminded me that the world has always been messed up yet still God enters.  Originally from a place of anger and disappointment but yet a change of heart because of Noah.  Then the Wise Men arrive via Herod, again showing how corrupted we can be as humans.  Made me think of that quote - ‘All that is needed for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.’ 

Sometimes we think there is no power for ‘little people’ yet our Scriptures reminds us again and again that is those who have no power who hold all the power.  With God we are powerful because his grace is perfected in our weakness.  Those who are NOT desperately trying to hold onto power are more open to God’s power being made evident in their lives. 

For example, the Wise Men could have returned to Herod and receive the power, the status, the praise, the kudos from Herod.  But they didn’t.  Instead they went home by another route. They didn’t need Herod to affirm them. 

And that makes me ask - Who is my Herod?  

Where do I seek my power, status, kudos from?  

And if it comes to it am I willing to annoy my ‘Herod’ and live with the consequences?

Even Noah had to put up with a lot when people didn’t understand why he was building a giant boat in a desert. 

And yes - the majority of us have a ‘Herod’ in our lives - that person, organisation, employer, politician that maybe we will need to stand against…

Following God is not easy and sometimes people will laugh as they did at Noah yet Noah changed God’s plan because he was a faithful good man in an evil world. 

Sometimes our decisions will have unimaginable consequences but doing the right thing is more important than any short-lived glory. 

We can make a difference especially when we think we can’t! 

Lord, help me focus on you and your leading that I might honour you with my life.  Amen. 

May your light shine bright my friends! Remember God loves you and he knows you.  Love Sarah 

(If you want to join me in worship you will find me by looking up Moncreiff Church, East Kilbride.  We have online services on YouTube and Facebook.  All are welcome.)