kings – CadreMen Press

“The King’s Actions” By Kirk Hunt

Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.

Matthew 2:17 NKJV

King Herod actions cannot be seen as anything other than ruthless, cruel and monstrous. He ordered the death of every male child in Bethlehem and the surrounding areas. His purpose in murdering babies? Preserving his station and power.

Warned through a dream from God, the wise men outwitted and outmaneuvered Herod. Herod then resorted to brute force to achieve his ends. From his position of power and wealth, Herod delivered death to the cradles and cribs of Bethlehem.

The result? God’s omniscience and omnipotence again thwarted Herod. Jesus and His family found safety in Egypt. Herod could never have overthrown the building of God’s Kingdom, but he tried.

The massacre of the innocents is not all that is recorded of Herod’s reign. Herod established the Herodian Dynasty. He also re-built the Second Temple, expanded the Temple complex, and brought water to Jerusalem.

Herod’s construction projects and political accomplishments are not the mainstay of his legacy. Instead, he is remembered as a murderous, blood-soaked tyrant who impoverished his own people.

What actions are you taking? Are they part of building God’s Kingdom? When you stand before God, the True King, what will He say of your actions?

Think: Are my actions designed to build God’s Kingdom, or something else?

Pray: “Lord, help me to take the actions that build Your Kingdom.”

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

“The King’s Intent” By Kirk Hunt

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”

Matthew 2:13 NKJV

It turns out that King Herod had villainous intent. He did not intend to worship Jesus. Instead, he wanted to murder Jesus in the cradle, as a potential rival.

King Herod’s intent conflicted with God’s intent. Despite his position and power, Herod was frustrated in His purpose and Jesus lived. The King of Kings’ intent was realized.

Today is no different than yesterday. Men and women of power and influence try to frustrate the plans of God. Now, as then, the true King’s purpose will come to pass. The question is whether or not you will follow the true King’s intent.

God could have stationed literal angels around Joseph, Mary and Jesus, but He did not. God could have caused earthly zealots to protect Jesus and His family, but He did not. Instead, God told Joseph to take action. Obediently, Joseph gathered his family and escaped into Egypt.

We are called to take action per God’s intent. Too often we worry about what others will, will not or should do. God’s people should be quick to obey their true King. Follow God’s intent, especially when it means our actions are contrary to what we or others intend.

Think: Do I follow God’s intent or someone else’s?

Pray: “Lord, help me to have Your intent for everyone around me.”