Matthew 2:16
Stop.
Today’s Bible reading is a hard one to reflect on. Take some time to calm your heart and mind before you read it. What pain or struggle do you bring with you to your devotions today? Name them and give them to God.
Listen.
When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. – Matthew 2:16
Reflect.
Yesterday, the church recognized the feast of the Holy Innocents. This day is set aside to remember the children who were murdered by King Herod when he tried to ensure he could be the only king. It is often heard in churches on a Sunday after Christmas as well.
In the story, the magi come to Herod asking about the king of the Jews, whose star they saw rising. Herod is immediately threatened and jealous. He fakes curiosity and sends the magi out to find Jesus. They do, and after they worship him, they go home by another route to avoid Herod. Herod is furious and chooses to murder all the children around the age of Jesus. He commits genocide to try to keep himself in power.
This story is one of those we can hardly believe is in the Bible. Often, we tell ourselves that the Bible is full of encouragement, good life lessons, and hope. However, the Bible gives account of people of faith and their history. In those stories, there will be wars, failures, terrible examples, and numerous painful truths about the brokenness of humanity. The slaughter of the innocents points out the human ability to see others as collateral in a game for power. Children died so a king could feel secure.
When we read scripture, we remember that it teaches us about what we can do to ourselves and others. We would be wise not to skip over the hard parts, but rather, take time with them. As the saying goes, those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.
Pray.
God, we grieve today as we remember the Holy Innocents who died by Herod’s command. Send us to all who suffer, especially those who suffer by abuses of power. Show us your great strength to protect all people. Amen.
Carry On.
Still today, tyrants and war lords destroy life around the world. Take a moment to learn more about a conflict or crisis that you’re aware of in the world but don’t know much about. Use that information to better pray for those people today.