By the one true King.

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Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem.
Matthew 2:1-3 New Living Translation

I don’t often think about how disturbing it must have been for Herod. Because of his geography and the security given his kingdom by Rome he was called “King of the Jews”. What must it have been like for him to hear the Magi say that they were there looking for the newborn King of the Jews? No wonder he took such drastic action to preserve his position.

Drastic might be an understatement, murdering all the male children under two years of age in the region is heinously evil. How could he do such a thing? But then, Jesus came to dethrone him, take his power and position and subjugate him to the real King. This evil edict would have been understandable to other rulers as a natural way of dealing with the issue.

On this Third Day of Christmas I am realizing that Jesus also came to dethrone me. I seek to secure my own rule over my own life and He comes to subjugate me to the Kingdom of God. Even when I have sworn allegiance to Him, I still fall back into the old habits. I climb back onto the throne and steal His place away, at least I make the attempt.

He graciously reminds me that I don’t belong there. The throne is too weighty for me. The notion that I can be the king of my own life is a lie that needs to be defeated often.

Maybe you can relate. Maybe you have found yourself in the improper place of control and rule. Let Christ dethrone you today. Yield again to Him. Maybe it is easier during this season. If your heart is soft toward Him today, take advantage of that and move toward Him with open arms.

Copyright Photo from Wikipedia, Text David Brukiewa