Justice, Law, History
Justice, Vengence, Mercy
Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5)
Matthew 2:1-8, 16-18 New International VersionThe Magi Visit the Messiah2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." 3 When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: 6 "' But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.' [b]" 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me so that I too may go and worship him." 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.17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 18 "A voice is heard in Ramah,
weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more." [a]
For Reflection
In vengeance, there is no justice. Herod thought the birth of Jesus threatened his kingship. Herod moved by the rules of his world. Jesus is driven by God, whose rules are not of this world. God's primary interest is the abolition of injustices and the establishment of peace through non-violence.
Perhaps this is the ultimate human struggle. How much of the world's suffering results from dominating tyrannizing dictators, whose selfish desires for power at all cost. Human power, however, is no match for God's power. PrayPray and let the Holy Spirit guide your life. Pray about the world's injustices, and let the Holy Spirit shield you from vengeful actions. Pray for those who are suffering atrocities at the hands of self-serving leaders.
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