LORD Watch Over Us: Protect Us From The Modern Day Herods!

Herod the Great: A Tale of Power and Reflection

In the annals of history, Herod the Great stands as a complex figure—a ruler whose legacy is both grand and tainted. His life, marked by ambition, cunning, and monumental construction projects, echoes throughout the ages. But beyond the stones he laid, there lies a deeper lesson—one that resonates with the present times of this world, at this very moment.

The Rise of Herod

Herod, born around 72 BCE, emerged as a Roman client king in the Herodian Kingdom of Judea. His reign spanned from 37 BCE to 4 BCE, a time of political intrigue and shifting allegiances. His architectural feats—such as the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem—still captivate our imagination. Yet, beneath the marble and gold, darker currents flowed.

The Shadow of Ambition

Matthew 2:16–18 recounts Herod’s infamous order: “Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under.” The Massacre of the Innocents—a chilling act of fear-driven brutality—stains Herod’s legacy.

Modern Parallels

In our world today, we encounter echoes of Herod’s ambition. Leaders, driven by power and self-interest, sometimes trample on the innocent. Whether in politics, religion, education, or finance, we witness the same hunger for control. How many innocents suffer as a result? How many children and vulnerable are susceptible to egregious wrongs that are propelled by “evil” and power in this world, at this very moment? All we have to do is turn on the television or see it streaming on our cell phones. People being killed, merciless violence, unreasonable behavior, diversion and coercion. It is there without having to search for it. It is suffocating and proliferating as we speak. But those of faith know that this has been foretold and is in the scriptures.

But there is a LIGHT that extinguishes the darkness. And that LIGHT is within us all. That is the hope that catapults us through the upheavals in our lives, and through the mass of shattering circumstances and occurrences. That LIGHT- lifts us, and guides us, and shows us the way, each and every single time!

Reflective Questions

1. How do we recognize the Herod’s of our time?
2. What drives leaders to such extremes?
3. Are we complicit when we remain silent?

The Moral Takeaway

Herod’s story enables us to reflect and staunchly reminds us that power, unchecked, can corrupt even the noblest intentions. As Christians, we must discern between true leadership and overbearance. As people of faith-we share a responsibility to protect the vulnerable, to speak truth to power, and to uphold justice in God’s laws and ways. We have an inherent right as Christians to speak accordingly, and to react to what is right and what is wrong – within the boundaries of our limits in all things considered.

Loving as Christ did- and does – is essentially impossible for those encased in flesh – but we do love and have love to give and receive, just not in the capacity in which Christ loved!

We are called to love and henceforth bring about a reflection of Christ in all we endeavor to take on, and all we represent.

Meditative Thoughts

As I close, consider the stones Herod laid—the grandeur that completely crumbled in chaotic time. Reflect on the legacy you wish to leave. Will it be one that reflected Christ -like-compassion?  Or will it be one that highlights selfish and inane nothingness that promotes vapid results? The choice lies within us all.

A Prayer for Discernment

“Dear Heavenly Father, grant us wisdom to discern the Herods among us. May we be bold in standing against injustice, even when it threatens our comfort. Let our hearts echo the cries of the innocents, and may our actions reflect Your love, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”