Matthew 2:16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.
King Herod (Herod the Great who ruled Bethlehem and Judah from 37BC to 4BC), was the villain in the Nativity. He was filled with demonic envy and stubborn arrogance. When the Magi from the East came looking for the Messiah, Herod was disturbed and became very insecure however, when he realized that he was outwitted by the Magi his fear turned into fury. Filled with wrath he ordered all the baby boys below 2 years in Bethlehem to be murdered brutally. Not a Christmas goes by without recollecting the treachery of Herod.
Herod was a converted Jew who was known for his ruthless rage and violence. He not only took innocent lives at the birth of Jesus but he executed many of his family members whom he feared were a threat to his throne. He killed wife Mariamne, her mother and grandfather, his own son Antipater, and his sons with Mariamne, Alexander and Aristobulus IV. This bloodthirsty beast features in the Nativity as well.
The spirit of Herod operates as hate crimes, abuse or terrorism shooting, killing and mass murder of innocent lives even today. This spirit opens fire in schools, churches and malls. Baby Jesus was saved from ‘the mass murder’ ploy only because Joseph and Mary were sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt.” (vs 13a). We must be alert and armed in prayer to take authority over the plots of the spirit of Herod.
We are part of Nativity:
- Alert: The spirit of Herod that avariciously prowls to steal and devour our children and next generation is lurking to steal our children. Be alert.
- Armed: Be armed and ready for spiritual warfare against the diabolical forces.
- Authoritative: Stand in authority; resist the devil and he will flee from you and your family.
Resist the spirit of Herod aggressively.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be on alert, armed and authoritative against the spirit of Herod. Amen.
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