“Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and 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” (Matthew 2:16).
How sad that this world reacts with such violence and hatred? We humans do not know the details, so with broad strokes, we lash out and destroy what we hate. How many unneeded abortions have killed children? How many lives are simply thrown away. Every life is precious to the Lord. He commands us: thou shall not kill. The wicked see no wrong in destruction. The Lord teaches us to cherish life and to live according to His word.
Word made flesh and dwelling among us, there was great cost in preparing the way of salvation. How many have been martyred for Your sake? But that is the way of wickedness. Lead me according to Your goodness to humbly walk in Your way no matter the cost. You have given all who believe the words of eternal life. Let Your faithful be empowered to walk humbly in You, even amidst the death and destruction that surrounds us.
Lord, I do not know what I would do if faced with the wrath of the wicked one as those whose children were killed. But there is death all around me here. Guide me, Lord, to humbly live by Your word and seek to do what is right each day that You give me. I do not know the day or hour, but I see the signs and know that You will return one day to judge the living and the dead. Count me among the faithful, Lord Jesus. Amen.
