I told daughter Allison the next post would be on “the powers” and she said, “Angels?” I guess I didn’t mean the real powers, though that would be a good topic too. Rather I meant those that rule the earth, representatives of whom are very much part of the nativity story . . . though never part of a Christmas creche.
Take Caesar Augustus as prime example. His role is distant but central. It was by his dictum that a census be taken and, by Jewish custom, meant this engaged couple had to return to their place of heritage. That was a hundred miles from where they lived, no easy walk for a pregnant girl, donkey or none; and they’d never have gone but for Caesar. But getting them there, just in time for the birth, fulfilled (and still shrouded) the prophesy that in Bethlehem the world’s savior would be born.
Such wasn’t noted by many, certainly not Caesar, whose statuary around the empire named him as “Savior of the World.” His coins called him “Son of God.” There might have been a problem had he known these titles were being ascribed to a baby in a far off provence.
It’s of note that Christ was born at the height of the Pax Romana, the widest rule of any one man in history, before or since.
Any such claim for title was an issue with Herod, however, the low born and ambitious half-Jew king they called “The Great.” And they’d better. Josephus wrote that he spent all his energy routing out any competition, murdering even his own sons and his favorite wife for moves he thought suspicious.
One of the lowest despots in all history, and Jesus born right under his nose.
Not that he’d have known at all had the magi not inquired. Then, his insecurities burning, he sent out his men to cut down all Bethlehem’s babies under the age of two.
The Massacre of the Innocents has been painted by many a Renaissance artist, but you’ll never find one on a Christmas card.
And how about those soldiers, strong, trained, armed and fierce, up against sucklings and mothers. It’s thought that with tiny Bethlehem’s population of a thousand, some twenty children were killed.
What? No. Maybe it never happened. Go to Wikipedia: “It’s all myth,” with scholars quoting each other.
And so the opposition continues.
No matter: When a bigger picture’s unfolding, even the powers can’t stop it.
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Next: The Pious
With apologies for the coincidence of the 20 children killed in Connecticut, in these, our civilized times.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
10:22 am
What strength in today’s message from you, Hyatt, God right through you!!! Amen!!! Makes me think of all the little ones in CT yesterday and their parents. How hard this must be!!! I cannot imagine how the mothers and fathers felt in those times as well as how they feel in these times. I am praying that The Lord will be close to those who are broken hearted in this time and as He promises in His word. I bet He was with those parents too who were broken hearted as well, in those times, before the Word was written. Thank you for this very wonderful angle taken today over the all important and most significant in all the world and its history——the birth of Jesus Christ!! Love and prayers over all! Love Lisa
10:36 am
If only Herod would have known that the one he persecuted came to die for him. Thank you Hyatt.
11:50 am
I was thinking the same as Lisa yesterday – how many children were killed by Herod, but God prevails, no matter how much evil there is. One day there will be no more pain and tears, as He promised us in His Word.
Thank you, Hyatt, I always enjoy reading your “Blank Slates” that say so much.
9:05 am
Good thoughts, Hyatt. A reminder not to get stuck in the middle of anyone’s story. As we surrender to the nature and character of the One we love, he will, out of his heart of goodness, “work all things, together” for endings far happier than we can imagine. Jesus’ birth and life is the perfect example. The hope of the world.
2:41 pm
Your “Blank Slates” leave us doing anything but drawing a “blank” as there is continually much to ponder. Thanks for putting these gems into words.