Herod in Me

When the infant Jesus was born on Herod's turf his whole world was rocked. He (Herod) was the King. This was his land, his territory, his heart. Now, with the birth of Jesus, everything would change. Herod chose not to bow to the new King on the block. Instead he rose up against Jesus and tried to kill him. It's a sad thing when two kings seek to reign over the same heartland. Someone's got to give. Herod died a few years later of worms. He chose not to bow.

We have similar battles. Christ was born in our heartland years ago and the turf wars still continue. Our flesh and His Spirit often rub us against the grain. It is a vain endeavor - to be the King. We can never snuff out, or kill, the Christ within us. He is here to stay.

We have choices. In my experience there is nothing sadder than a believer living in disobedience to the Spirit abiding within. People like that get grumpy. They become per-snippety people void of joy and the adventure of the pilgrimage. But a joyful believer is one who not only bows before the new King, but also gives Him his entire kingdom to reign and rule, as he sees fit.