Originally posted on Facebook January 2, 2021
Theme Verse:
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.” Mark 8:35
Lose from the Greek word Apollymi means to destroy fully. It is translated destroy in our verse for today.
“for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.” Matthew 2:13d
Herod faced the age-old battle that we each face everyday. Who will be King? Will I live a self-centered life? Will I live a Christ-centered life, destroying or losing self for the sake of Christ and the Gospel?
Herod knew he could not be King with the Christ child alive so he sought to fully destroy Him. In fact, Herod took radical actions to be sure Jesus was completely, utterly removed and destroyed!! Sadly, we still see this in our world today, but there is always deliverance from God for His people. Joseph and Mary are the perfect example. I think they were living a pretty Christ-centered life at the time. :)
Joseph and Mary had to quickly forsake all and follow the command of God. What a parallel for us to follow today. We can be the king of our own lives, doing things our own way, and the results are always death.
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12
Or, we can yield to the leadership of God and the Lordship of Christ and choose His ways.
“For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:” Proverbs 6:23
Today we must decide. Who will be King?
Testing!