Monday, December 9, 2002
Monday, December 9, 2002
Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse
you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame.
But his life deteriorated into paranoia. He was continually writing to Rome for permission to
execute one or two of his own sons for treason. Finally, even his friend Augustus admitted, "I'd
rather be Herod's pig than his son."
Within the Christian community Herod will always be remembered for his decree that all the
male children in his kingdom should be slain. This was his plan for eliminating a potential threat
to his throne. It did not work, of course. The tiny babe who would become King of Kings
escaped. Herod did execute John the Baptist when John pointed out Herod's moral failures. How
could a man fall so far? Power does something to people. The abuse of power is a heinous sin.
How do you prepare for Christ's? John the Baptist tells us plainly: If you have wealth, share it. If
you are in a position of trust, honor it. If you have power, don't abuse it. Follow the example of
Christ. He had it all, but he gave it up because of his love for you and me.
(1 Peter 3.16
NRSV)
The young Herod had been an exceptionally able ruler. He erected palaces, fortresses, temples,
aqueducts, cities, and the great new Temple in Jerusalem. He stimulated trade and commerce.
He was so highly respected by Rome that he would actually go down in history as "Herod the
Great."
Dear Jesus, may I use the power that has been gifted to me to your greater good. Amen.
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