INTRODUCTION
The death of a loved one usually bring pain, sorrow, inexplicable darkness and grief. If one is not there when it happened, it comes like a BREAKING NEWS and actually breaks one down. Death confronts us with the reality of a sudden separation and paints a picture of an irreversible situation. But there are times when receiving the news of someone's demise is also a sign of relief, peace and Joy.
As Disciples of Christ, for us to arise, shine and manifest God’s glory, we must be ready to die. Probably, the reason why some of us are struggling to fulfil God’s purpose is because the ‘Herod factor’ in us has not died. We can only come alive in Christ after an experience of death to sin, self and the world (John 12:24 NLT). May the LORD help us.
THE DIVINE PURPOSE
God initiated His purpose of reconciling the world by sending His only begotten Son into the world (John 3:16).
The manifestation of divine purpose found expression through Joseph and Mary.
Satan tried to frustrate God’s purpose before the birth of Jesus, but he failed.
Even after His birth, around the territory of king Herod, against all odds, God’s purpose was fulfilled through Joseph and Mary.
You can be sure that with God on your side, you will also fulfil divine purpose.
THE DYNASTY OF HEROD
· Herod the Great (Herod I): Roman king of Judea, referred to as Herodian Kingdom. He was of Arab origin, although he was a practicing Jew.
· Herod Antipas (Son)
· Herod Archelaus (Son)
· Herod Philip (Son)
· Herod Agrippa (Grandson)
MANIFESTATIONS OF HEROD
1. Insecurity- Matthew 2:1-3
-Insecure people are troubled when they hear other people around them are rising.
-They feel bad getting information about an emerging “star”-v.2.
-They are threatened about other people’s progress around where they perceived as their “territory.”
-Sometimes they use the instrument of destructive criticism to outshine others or “demarket” their perceived opponent.
2. Deception-Mathew 2:7-8
-The mask of deception is usually well packaged. It doesn’t appear dangerous on the surface.
-Deceptive people may appear as someone in need of help or trying to help but they are actually after the “star”-v.7.
-Deceptive people may hide under trying to get information but they have ulterior motive.
-They rely on people to give them feedback, so as to know their next line of action-v.8.