How to Live Like a Wise Man and not Like King Herod
Which character in the Christmas story are you most like? Are you like Joseph, caught unaware with unexpected news, yet seeking to remain godly? Perhaps you are like Mary, bravely moving forward with a new step of faith. Some of you could be shepherds, just doing your work and hoping God sees you. I would bet none of us want to admit we are like Herod.
King Herod
Many of us have heard stories about Herod. He was an evil king. Herod was quick to get angry, and quick to ruthlessly retaliate. Certainly, none of us are like Herod.
When you read between the lines of the story of Herod and the wisemen, you encounter a man filled with fear and insecurities. Too often, we are all filled with fear and insecurities. For instance, we fear failing, embarrassing ourselves, fitting in, or making a wrong choice.
Still, we would emphatically declare we are not like Herod. After all, he responded with lies, manipulation, and brutality. We must ask the question, “How do we respond to our fears and insecurities?”
Our Response to Fear and Insecurity
If we are honest, when backed into a corner, we also respond with lies, manipulation, and perhaps even some brutality. When we allow our fear or insecurities to control us, we easily respond to others with anger. We demand things go our way, so we feel as if we have some control. In addition, we criticize others for what they say and/or do.
Some of us send our anger inward instead of outward. Instead of running over others, we speak lies to ourselves. We allow doubt to take a seat next to fear and insecurity. In silent conversation with ourselves, we internally judge others for what is happening and feel the panic of lost control. We may not have the viciousness of character that Herod had, and sadly, we still display some similar behaviors.
No Fear
God tells His people, the nation of Israel, in Isaiah 41, “…You are my servant; I have chosen you; I haven’t rejected you. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:9b-10, CSB) God also calls us His servants; He also calls us chosen and does not reject us. Therefore, we can claim God’s presence, strength, and help.
Paul tells Timothy, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgement.” (1 Timothy 1:7, CSB) He told the Philippians, “And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7, CSB). In addition, Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount, “…don’t worry about tomorrow…” (Matthews 6:34, CSB)
Our Daily Battle
As followers of Jesus, recipients of His grace and His Spirit, God never meant for us to live in fear, insecurity and doubt. Instead, we are to live confident in God’s love and care for us. He promises to be with us, to provide and protect, to give us abundant life.
I’m convinced this is not new truth for any of us. However, we live in a fallen world, and we daily battle our sinful nature. We must constantly remember “we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37, CSB) In the Christmas story, the stark discrepancy between Herod and the wisemen offers us wisdom as we live within this tension.
Seek God
The wisemen chose three behaviors that can enable us to live beyond our fears, insecurities, and doubts. First of all, they chose dedication to seeking God. I am continually astounded by the wisemen and their intent to follow a star.
The wisemen were scholars who studied the stars and prophecies. They resolved to discover truth and God. God doesn’t tell us much in His Word about the wisemen. However, we can deduce from the fact they traveled a long distance and had no idea what they would really find, that they were committed to finding the One worthy of their worship.
Worship
Second, the wisemen worshiped. We read in Matthews 2:2 they traveled with the purpose to worship. Plus, when they found Jesus, they were not put off by his humble surroundings, or that he was an infant child. They trusted what God revealed to them; they “bowed down,” and offered him gifts suited for a King.
Obedience
Third, the wisemen responded with obedience to what God revealed to them. They followed the star all the way to Bethlehem. In addition, they obeyed the warning God gave them in a dream and they took a different route home.
Why Follow the Wisemen’s Example
We don’t know how many wisemen there actually were. We have no idea how many discussions they had amongst themselves about which way to go and how to interpret what they were reading and seeing. Nor do we have any idea about their childhood beliefs, their heritage, or what happened to them once they returned home.
We do know, God is always more than able to reveal truth. Holy Spirit led them as they studied and then traveled. I’m convinced, at some point, they felt fear, insecurity, and doubt. However, they committed themselves to finding and knowing this King. They believed Him to be worthy of their worship and obedience.
The wisemen give us a template for when we battle our inner Herod. When we struggle with fear, insecurity, or doubt, we must dedicate ourselves to finding God with the express intent to worship and obey. As we journey, God leads regardless of our emotional state and brings us into His presence.
Living Like a Wiseman
This advent, will you follow the example of the wisemen? Each day, will you dedicate yourself to finding God all around you? Just as the wisemen followed a star, look for God’s reminders that speak of His goodness and grace. Don’t listen to your fear or doubt, instead, set your intention to worship and obey the King of kings. He has come to reveal Himself.
1 thought on “How to Live Like a Wise Man and not Like King Herod”