For You From The Word
Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under. (Matthew 2:16)
For You To Think About
King Herod was angry. The Wise Men stopped at the palace just long enough to report that there was another king in the neighborhood. They’d made a long trip from the east to visit the new baby. Their drop-in to Herod’s was a mere formality. And afterwards, the Wise Men didn’t play along to keep him informed as to the baby’s whereabouts.
To Herod the information about the newborn was unexpected and unplanned, interfering with his campaign to maintain his control and position.
In order to potentially avoid the loss of his throne to a newborn, Herod ordered the execution of all male children under the age of two in the village of Bethlehem. The slaughter is known in history as the “Massacre of the Innocents.”
Today we have a whole different kind of “Massacre of the Innocents.” To some, an unplanned pregnancy is unwelcome news that interferes with plans to maintain control and position – leading to termination. On the other side of the spectrum, some pregnant women are not informed about their options – leading to heartbreaking loss of life through abortion.
How can we help people understand that a newborn offers opportunity, not a threat?
For You To Pray
Heavenly Father,
Move in hearts of pregnant women and their partners to choose life. Protect the unborn.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
More about the Magi
Wise Men (and Women) Don’t Ignore the Obvious