Third Change

Before we begin looking at the third change, let me remind you that we have been using the experience and response of Paul and Silas, as they were suddenly moved completely away from all that they had planned. It was shown that while preaching the Gospel News, the Good News of Jesus, Saviour of the world, in a place to which the Holy Spirit had guided and led them, they were met with ill will, from the very people to whom they had brought the Good News of the Gospel.

We saw that overnight, without prior warning, these servants of God had been sent off to another destination, a place which was not in their plans. It was made clear how they readily accepted the news. Without resistance, Paul and Silas, whose mission did not come to the conclusion they had thought would be, left, not with defeat, regrets, or deep feelings of not completing their work, but with the undoubting assurance that it was for the good of all concerned. They left with complete faith and confidence in the Holy Spirit, doing as He dictated and directed. Greater and more diverse fruit was borne. We saw this attitude perfectly in the Magi and the shepherds. So where are we headed in this time?

When we began, I indicated that of the three changes, one was not that well-known. What I meant was that one was not thought of and pondered upon as the others. The person to whom I am referring is King Herod. This is all known, as I have stated, but it is not made as public and readily spoken of, as the sudden changes which we saw with the shepherds and the Magi.

We are looking at Herod as one who also experienced an unexpected and unplanned happening, which showed up his true colours as well. Earlier on, this statement was made concerning Paul and Silas, servants of Jesus Christ, in relation to the sudden changes and adjustments in mind and mission, as was needed. I quote exactly what was written for us. “If all you know to speak is Gaelic, then that is what will come out of your mouth, whether you are happy or sad; strong or weak, well or ill; up or down; afraid or unafraid. The point is that a lamb will be a lamb regardless.” This is true of Herod, for what has happened has shown exactly the kind of person he is.

Listen to the narrative in this most simple, factual way. King Herod is the reigning king at the time when Jesus is born. He is prominent and well respected by the people and is totally in control of his kingdom. He knows all that is happening, even before it happens. Then one day, he receives strangers to his kingdom. Magi from the East have come to receive information from him about a king born in his jurisdiction. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 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. Matthew 2: 1 – 2.

Be very mindful that all this is taking place under the king’s nose as it were, but he knows nothing about it. When this news comes to his attention, when he hears, he believes and it is because he believes that his entire disposition changes immediately, for the worse.

Here’s a point of divine interest to latch on to, ensuring that it does not obtain in your life also. When we hear the News about King Jesus and we believe, does it make us better or worse? The truth is that I do not believe it changes us in this regard. What has been shown to me clearly is that hearing and believing bring out what is already inside of us.