01-02-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS

January 2, 2020

Scripture: Matthew 2:3

When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and everyone in Jerusalem was troubled with him.

Thought for the Day: Herod was troubled, or as the original Greek reads: Tarasso. The word describes an inward collision, often between values, ideals or priorities. Herod was threatened, feeling an internal clash that most definitely included his desire for security that was protected by the power of his military. He enjoyed his lifestyle. So often from the calm of our safety, we are able to dismiss the collision of values. We assume God must be the giver of our easy and anxiety-free life, and so the conflict is pooh-poohed as something other than a moral or ethical challenge from God. This is what allowed King Herod to feel justified in later killing all the children under two years of age. One of the great sins of humanity is scoffing at the internal tension that is felt instead of asking the tough question of WHY? Why am I feeling so uncomfortable? How might God be calling me to reclaim an ethical conviction over a self-serving desire?

Prayer: Creator God, where I am off base and not living in your ways of love and justice, challenge me with a strong enough collision that I cannot dismiss it. Allow me to know it is you and your calling to live a life that resembles the Love First Life. Amen.

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