When Kings Meet

A meeting of kings is always an event. Most of the time, it features lavish feasts, extravagant parties and exotic gifts. Unless, the kings are enemies.

A meeting of enemy kingdoms is a different matter. There is scheming, distrust and possibly hostility.

When King Herod met the magi looking for the King of the Jews, Herod became troubled. You can just imagine the insecurity of Herod. Here he was, the current king of Israel being asked by foreigners the location of the future King of the Jews. Such audacity!

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi^[a] from the east came to Jerusalem ² and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. ⁴ When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. ⁵ “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.” (Mt 2:1-6)

Not only Herod was troubled, but the whole of Israel as well. Honestly, I don’t understand why Israel would be troubled with Herod. They should rejoice because the Messiah is coming!

But such was the state of Israel’s relationship with God that they could not rejoice at his coming.

This bible story is a mirror of our own encounters with God. Many who would encounter him for the first time would be troubled, fearful and hostile. But many others would rejoice that the savior is here. I pray your meeting with the King is one that is filled with rejoicing.