December 22nd

December 22: Matthew 2:7-8

Matthew 2:7-8  (NIV)

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 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.”

Reflection

Herod had no intention to worship Jesus. He lied. He pretended to be interested in Jesus so as to hurt Jesus.

It’s true that at times, it benefits us to pretend to follow Jesus. It is a benefit, at times, to claim to be a follower of Jesus, even though what we’re doing is on a mission contrary to His.

Recently, I listened to a podcast where professional Christian musicians discussed how it’s hard to keep their faith alive when having faith is tied so closely to their paycheck. If they stopped being a Christian, they wouldn’t sell any more albums. This idea of a professional Christian is far removed from the Herod who pretended to want to worship Jesus… or is it?

Does the social expectation to be a Christian prevent you from truly worshiping Jesus?

Prayer,

God, the One who sees the true intents of our hearts, make us to love you as you first loved us.