Waiting for Jesusنموونە

CHOOSING PEACE

Advent presents us with two ways of being in the world: like the armed and fearful leader Herod, or like the unarmed infant Messiah.

Lately, I’ve reflected on my tendency to be self-protective and fearful (aka, like Herod), especially when my wife or someone in our church congregation gives me honest feedback. When that happens, I close myself off, afraid of having to come to terms with not having it all together.

By the grace of God, I must remember, again and again, that the impotent way of Herod does little to contribute to true peace and human flourishing. One of the times this realization hits me afresh is when the season of Advent comes around. I face my inner Herod—the ways I respond to others’ different opinions or challenging words with fear and animosity rather than with love and humility.

When God entered the world in the person of Jesus, he came in the most subversive method possible. In coming as an infant, unarmed and vulnerable, he estab­lished the way of his kingdom from the onset. A kingdom not characterized by fear, self-interest, or violence but by vulnerable trust and supernatural love.

This love isn’t passive or weak. When God’s supernatural love silently infil­trates the world, it is an unstoppable force. It transforms enemies.

By contrast, Herod wanted only to defeat his ene­mies. In his insecure and fearful way, he wiped out anyone who threatened his kingdom. Herod essentially said, “Let’s rid ourselves of these imminent threats before we fall into their hands.” The spirit of Herod permeates our country—even our Christian churches and institutions.

When will we embrace the truth that “per­fect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18, NIV)? When will we choose to reflect the way of the kingdom that the Messiah showed us? Until we do so, we are all little Herods protecting our present with no regard for our future.

Herod and his violent methods know nothing about the path to peace. The way of Jesus and his kingdom is better. This Advent season, will you courageously entrust your life to the one who offers true peace?

What is an area in which you’re embracing the way of Herod—perhaps in a relationship, mindset, or habit? How can you surrender this area into the powerful hands of Jesus, trusting him to protect you and provide for you?