Two

In J.R.R. Tolkein's Lord of the Rings Trilogy the last book is entitled "Return of the King." Using this title as our guide we note how Jesus returned to Israel from his exile in Egypt. Although he was still a child, Jesus was the King of Kings and the Father was preparing the way for his future reign.

"When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and told him, "Get up and take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel..." - Matthew 2:19-20

Josephus recorded that Heord died of a mystery illness that plaqued him for many years. It was later referred to as Herod's Evil. Isn't it ironic that the very person who could have healed Herod was the one that he hated and tried to kill. Herod misunderstood the reign of the new King (Jesus) and allowed his advisors and his own evil nature to torture his soul.

In our journey through Lent let us spend time understanding the true purpose of Christ and the gift that He brings to us. If we feel threatened by Jesus then it says something about our desire to hold onto our personal thrones and kingdoms. Lent teaches us to let go and to trust in God's rule.

Allow yourself the freedom to remove your crown and to cast it at the feet of the true King.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Disturbing - Advent #3

The birth of Jesus caused quite a stir in nation of Israel, but it also impacted the Roman's too. Herod was ruler at that time and he was DISTURBED by the news he received.

"When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. ⁴ 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. ⁵ “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied..." - Matthew 2:3-5

It may seem a strange word to include on our Advent journey this year, but I firmly believe that the birth of Jesus doesn't leave us feeling ambivalent. It should stir something within us. Either it will move us to bow before him as our Lord, or it will disturb us so much that we will do all we can to ignore him or even destroy him.

Which response is yours this Advent season?

Please pray for those people who seem to have the spirit of Herod this Christmas time. Ask the Lord to reveal himself to them in a significant way.

Living in Grace
D3LM3