How can we respond to fear of change in leadership like Herod? Setting the scene of Matthew 2:3 “When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.” • The Magi’s announcement of a newborn “King of the Jews” struck directly at Herod’s throne. • Herod’s agitation rippled outward, unsettling an entire city. Fear multiplied because the man in charge was terrified of losing control. Why fear surfaces during leadership changes • Loss of security – Herod’s authority, legacy, and comforts were suddenly threatened. • Pride and self-preservation – He valued position above truth, so any shift felt dangerous (Proverbs 16:18). • Blindness to God’s sovereignty – Herod saw power as something he must clutch, not something God grants and removes (Daniel 4:32). Truths that calm the anxious heart • God sets up and removes leaders: “He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them.” (Daniel 2:21) • Every authority is ultimately under Him: “For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been appointed by God.” (Romans 13:1) • Promotion comes from the Lord, not from human maneuvering: “Exaltation does not come from the east, the west, or the desert, but God is the Judge; He brings one down and lifts another up.” (Psalm 75:6-7) • Christ is the unchanging King: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Practical steps for today • Fix eyes on Jesus, not shifting rulers – “Let us run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” (Hebrews 12:1-2) • Trade anxiety for prayerful thanksgiving – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6-7) • Renew the mind daily – “Whatever is true…think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8) • Walk in humility – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God.” (James 4:6-7) • Seek wise counsel instead of isolated panic – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) • Serve rather than grasp for power – “Whoever wants to be first must be the servant of all.” (Mark 10:44-45) • Pray for those in authority – “I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered…for kings and all those in authority.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) A tale of two responses: Herod vs. Joseph and the Magi • Herod heard truth, clung tighter to the throne, and lashed out in violence. • Joseph heard truth in a dream, trusted God, and obediently relocated his family (Matthew 2:13-15). • The Magi heard truth, worshiped, and offered gifts (Matthew 2:11-12). • Fear drove Herod to destroy; faith moved Joseph and the Magi to protect and honor. Looking toward the unshakeable kingdom • “Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” (Hebrews 12:28) • Earthly thrones rise and fall, but the Messiah’s reign endures forever (Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 1:32-33). • Rest comes when we treasure the King whose rule cannot be overthrown. |
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