2010: Attacking Panic.

"When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him." (Matthew 2:3)

None of us who are reading this were alive two thousand years ago. But we have historical record of the tyranny of Rome; we perhaps have seen documentaries or fictionalized accounts of the madness of political leaders of that era; and we understand that insecure leaders can do rash things that sometimes cost lives.

The account in Matthew 2 shows us that residents of Jerusalem were concerned upon learning of Herod's angst. An uncomfortable Herod had the power to make life uncomfortable for the entire community. Matthew 2:16 shows us the consequence of Herod's state: the intentional killing of all males who were up to two years old.

Can we say that Herod panicked?

At minimum, he seems to have felt threatened at the prospect of another king being present in his territory. Not just any king, but "the King of the Jews". A royal representative for the disenfranchised and oppressed. And this Herod, who history says had killed his own son in the quest to avoid losing the kingdom, had no problem killing the sons of strangers.

But this was so long ago. How do we reflect on this as we approach 2010?

-When political leaders are in a panic, our Christian faith should keep us in a state of peace. Even if our leaders make panic-driven decisions that result in the hurt and destruction of people or programs, we can still rest in the assurance that God promises are faithful and God's program will move forward unhindered. Just as the slaughter of infants and toddlers had no effect on the ultimate plan of God, we must know and believe that the death of our hearts' desires does not signal the death of God's agenda.

Lord, You have given us spiritual weapons of defense, and a weapon for offense: the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Thank You: when crisis comes You give us the strength to not only endure in a panicked world, but also to overcome. Thank You that we can attack fear and panic with Your word: "Fear not". You are with us, Emmanuel, and we will not be afraid. We stand firm in the faith in spite of the decisions of Herod. Thank You, Lord, for showing us Yourself as the true and only King. In Jesus's name. Amen.