Matthew 2:16 (NASB)
“Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and he sent men and killed all the boys who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi.”
Devotional Thought:
The birth of Christ brought both worship and hostility. Gratitude sees that even in opposition, God’s plan stands firm. Herod’s rage could not silence heaven’s gift.
Three Comments:
- Gratitude remembers that Christ’s kingdom is unshakable despite opposition.
- The cross is foreshadowed even in Bethlehem’s sorrow.
- Gratitude trusts God’s sovereignty when evil rises.
Poem – “The Rage of Herod”
The sword was lifted in anger,
The cries filled Bethlehem,
Darkness struck at innocence,
But light could not be stopped,
The Child was safe.
Evil plotted in vain,
Power grasped in fear,
But heaven held the plan,
God’s promise remained,
Salvation was sure.
Gratitude clings to His sovereignty,
Faith rests in His plan,
Hope shines in His light,
Peace endures in His reign,
Christ is King.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You that no power of man can overthrow Your plan. Thank You that even Herod’s rage could not stop the coming of Christ.
Help me to trust Your sovereignty when evil seems strong. May gratitude steady my heart in the assurance that Christ’s kingdom cannot be shaken.
