Issue link: http://denverseminary.uberflip.com/i/420759
December 19 Matthew 2:16 Frustrated wi Finitude Nancy Buschart, MA Mentoring Director H erod was in control. He held life-and-death power over the people in his kingdom. He was willing to manipulate, deceive, and kill to achieve his agenda, and when he was frustrated by the Magi, he brought devastation to the families in Bethlehem. e coming of an infant-King and His kingdom was a matter of record: "Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever" (Isa. 9:7). e Magi's news of a natal star meant the rivalry had begun, so Herod postured and connived. But Herod had it right. e birth of this Messiah-baby was going to change his life forever—and he was spitting mad. e motivation for such an exertion of control may well have been a misguided "for the good of the kingdom" or "for the good of Herod." But most likely, fear was the core motivator—fear of loss of property or loss of position, security, and station. Centuries later we continue to wrestle with the implications of the Christ child's birth and His reign and rule over the kingdom He established, including our daily, hourly lives. We need to pay attention to our own frustration and anger, our own desire for control, and our own fear of failed security. In truth, the Messiah came because of our finitude. Hopeless and lost in our desperate need of a Savior, we look to the baby's arrival. We can't save ourselves. We can't clean ourselves up. No matter how desperately we try, again and again we are "prone to wander" from "the One we love." Without Christ we cannot approach the throne of grace to receive mercy. e Messiah whose coming frustrated the powerful Herod is our only hope for experiencing sweet fellowship with the Father and abundant life here and now and eternally to come. Our citizenship in Christ's kingdom is won through the infant-King. In our finitude, Christ's infinite love expands to encompass our fears and to rescue us, doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves. And although modern-day Herods continue to rage and devastate, we may surrender to the greater King who has no rivals and to His kingdom that will never end. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. 14