Herod was history's most hysterical megalomaniac:  massive ego, paranoid, and brutally violent, he even murdered his own wife and brothers!  The magi were lucky to get away after saying to his face "Where is the king of the Jews?  We have come to worship him" (Matthew 2:2).  The little boys of Bethlehem (perhaps a dozen in a village that size) were not so fortunate, as Herod slaughtered the innocent (Matthew 2:16).

   The irony was rich when a grownup Jesus was asked by Pontius Pilate, "Are you a king?" (John 18:33).  When the first Christians declared "Jesus is Lord," the implication was "Caesar isn't."  Jesus was not a military subversive trying to take over the empire.  But he was king, and Herod, Pilate and Caesar were exposed as mere pretenders.

   We say this only because of Jesus' upside-down kingship.  His court was a band of poor fishermen, his regalia a cross, his rule not iron-fisted force but tender love.  He washed feet, and gave up his life instead of killing.  We have to choose, don't we?  Do we cast our lot with the powers of this world? or with the humble child, the Savior crucified?

   Lord, you alone are Lord, and I invest myself loyally in you alone.

James

james@mpumc.org

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