Fear of Losing Control

Why bring in the character of Herod into the birth story? It seems that it is unnecessary other than the Magi going to the throne thinking the baby would be born there. The tension is set. Tension and power are two common experiences of life. The use and abuse of power is something Jesus spoke about when he said his disciples were not to lord over others the power they have.

God speaks to help us (be) fearLESS.

Christmas speaks about power.

Power is not an awful thing. Yet, the abuse and misuse of power is.

Herod is every person.

Herod is not just a villain but a type of all of us due to original sin, the sin which runs deep in us naturally. Herod may be the King but he acts like all of us. His story can help to shed light on our story. We can learn from Herod not because he is unique, but instead because he is like us and vice versa. His choices are to some extent our choices.

The truth is we are all like Herod at times and at other times we are like the Magi. When we hear words which seem to take away our power we get anxious and grasp at whatever power we can hold on to. I see the American church running into this when we get into the area of politics.

The Issue: Herod fears losing control.

He sees the birth of Jesus as an attack on his kingdom. His power. His control. His worth. This can also be thought of as the fear of the unknown.

Fear is contagious.

We see this being the case in this passage. The city of Jerusalem is fearful. The religious people are afraid. Afraid their power will also be taken. Afraid of the king. Afraid of what will happen next.

Fear of losing control leads to chaos/death.

Anxiety will run high and we will grasp at anything to remain in control.

Question: What is my fear trying to reveal?

Using Herod as a case example we may see these things:

inadequacy

not feeling legitamate

concerned about being seen as “powerful” and “in charge”

Worried

concerned about legacy

pressure to be better

shame

Physically not well

lack of knowledge, not “smart” enough

Jesus is the only King of the Universe.

Sometimes, keeping control leads to destruction.

This was predicted by the Psalmists of old in Psalm 87 where Egypt and Babylon, is this were the Magi were from, would be counted as obedient nations to Christ.

Our response: Look up—at Creation.

We call this general revelation or prevenient grace given to all. Creation has a role and this is why being away from people can be helpful in knowing about God and hearing his voice. However, many of us, especially in today’s world, stop at Creation. As much as being in nature is important this cannot be our only stop as we look for peace and truth.

Look in—to Scripture.

This is God’s special revelation. It is specific grace. We as God’s people are the bearers of this truth. We are the ones whose mission is to help others know Scripture. Who are you pouring into the words of Scripture? Parents, this is our first and most important job. Yet, it is our hardest job—teaching our children Scripture.

Nature begins, Scripture completes. Frederick D. Bruner

Look at—Christ and worship Him.

We must look up—to Creation. We must look in—God’s Word. We must allow Christ to live in us—Emmanuel. Jesus is the Word complete. We can know the Bible and miss Jesus. We may know about Him but until we bow down and worship we have missed the point of all Scripture. In Jesus, fulfillment of the Scripture is found. He is the author, the subject, and the breath of Scripture.

Christmas reminds us fears do not have the last word.

Christmas reminds us God is in control.

We gain life when we give up control to Jesus.