day 3: Herod the great

Day 3: Herod the Great

Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-16

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

Herod was a king surrounded by power, authority, and influence. Yet when he heard that a true King had been born, fear—not faith—rose within him. His throne was secure, his army was strong, and his rule was recognized. Still, a child in a manger unsettled him. Why? Because worldly power trembles whenever divine authority appears. Herod’s story reveals a sobering truth: it is possible to stand close to the news of Christ and still resist Him. Herod did not reject Jesus because he lacked information. He rejected Him because he feared surrender. His resistance was not intellectual; it was spiritual. And if we are honest, we may recognize that same impulse within ourselves. Whenever Christ’s lordship challenges our pride, our plans, or our control, something in us hesitates.

This is the mystery of the gospel—Jesus comes not as a rival tyrant but as a humble King. He does not seize thrones; He invites hearts. He does not conquer by force; He reigns through love. Yet that very gentleness exposes us. It reveals whether we truly desire God’s kingdom or merely want God to bless our own. Herod stands at the doorway of the Nativity story as a warning: proximity to Jesus does not guarantee surrender to Jesus. One may hear about Christ, speak about Christ, even search for Christ—and still resist Him. So the question this passage places before us is deeply personal. When Christ draws near, do we worship like the wise men—or do we tremble like Herod? May the Spirit give us hearts that do not fear the reign of Christ but welcome it, for His rule is not the loss of our lives—it is the salvation of them.

Prayer:

Almighty God, I hear you calling to me in the saving acts of your Son, Jesus. In his life all the ancient prophecies and promises find their completion. I offer you my trust and my obedience, even when one comes more easily than the other.

In faith and Trust

Rev. Won Kim

Lead Pastor of RockSpring Church