A Transition Moment… with Pastor Mike
Matthew 2
Last Sunday, December 26, I chose a different gospel reading: Matthew 2:13-18. It continues Matthew’s story of the birth of Jesus after the visit of the Magi. It is a difficult story to hear so soon after Christmas because it tells of Herod ordering the slaughter of innocent children. Some people avoid this story, or at least wonder why Matthew includes it, because it seems so cruel. So why is it here? I think it is a reminder that the evil empire is still in business. Even after the birth of Jesus, Immanuel, God-with-us, we can’t enjoy the beauty and wonder of God joining us in the flesh without the realization that there will be people who oppose God. Jesus came as a king to bring peace, love and justice and strength to the poor. The powerful rulers of the world (like Herod) don’t want to share that power with anyone so there is no justice.
Because the thing is, Jesus’ birth upset the order. He comes as God’s chosen king, the one who is to bring about the peace, justice, and equity of the kingdom of God. And so all earthly kings who put their own power and privilege first are terrified. Herod is a good, but by no means lone, example. So terrified is he of the promise that God will, in this child, restore peace and justice that he is willing to slaughter the infants of a whole region. So Joseph, warned by an angel, flees this carnage and moves his family to Egypt.
This story is here as a reminder. Sometimes life is beautiful and wonderful and filled with goodness and grace. And God is a part of that, giving blessing and celebrating with us and for us. And sometimes life is hard, gritty, disappointing, and filled with heartache. And God is part of that as well, holding on to us, comforting us, blessing us with promise that God will stay with us through the good and the bad. God was at work keeping Jesus and his family safe from harm. God was at work to keep his message on task. God was working to save his
people. And God is still at work even as the evil empire tries to stop God’s good and gracious will. God will not be overcome.
-Pastor Mike