Day 15: Herod Hears About a New King
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” - Matthew 2:3-8
Devotional:
I remember sitting in a coffee shop with a friend who was sharing some difficult feedback about my leadership style. My first instinct was to defend myself, to explain away his observations. It wasn't until I got home and reflected that I realized my defensive reaction was preventing me from hearing something I needed to hear. Sometimes the hardest messages to receive are the ones that challenge our position or comfort.
This brings to mind a powerful moment at the second church I ever served that happened during a church board meeting. We were discussing a new ministry initiative that would require significant changes to our traditional service structure. One of our longest-serving members, known for resisting change, suddenly said, "This makes me uncomfortable... but maybe that's exactly why we need to do it." His willingness to acknowledge his resistance while remaining open to God's leading was profound.
Herod's response to the news of Jesus' birth presents a stark contrast. Here was a man who had all the right information - he knew the prophecies, consulted the religious experts, and even received confirmation from the Magi. But instead of welcoming this divine announcement, he felt threatened. His position, his power, his control were all at risk. The same news that brought joy to shepherds and wise men brought fear and murderous intent to Herod's heart.
What's particularly chilling about this passage is Herod's deception. He cloaked his hostile intentions in religious language: "so that I too may go and worship him." It's a sobering reminder that sometimes the greatest resistance to God's voice can come from those who appear to be speaking His language. Herod heard God's truth clearly - he just didn't want it to be true.
This story serves as a warning about how our personal kingdoms - our comfort zones, our positions of influence, our carefully constructed plans - can become barriers to hearing God's voice. Herod couldn't receive good news because he could only see it as a threat to his status quo. His throne room became his echo chamber, where even divine announcements were twisted to serve his own purposes.
Reflection Questions:
What areas of your life might be "Herod zones" - places where you're resistant to letting God's voice challenge your control?
How can you distinguish between healthy discernment and harmful resistance when hearing challenging messages from God?
Prayer Prompt: Ask God to reveal any areas where pride or fear might be hardening your heart to His voice, and for the humility to welcome His truth even when it challenges your comfort.