12/09/2025
The Inevitable Outcome
โThen Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared.โ
โMatthew 2:7 NLT
We can prepare our hearts for Christmas not just by reading Godโs Word, but also by reflecting on it. We can celebrate the fact that Jesusโ coming fulfilled prophecies that had been announced centuries earlier. We can lean into the trustworthiness of its promises. We can anticipate the coming glory of Godโs kingdom.
If King Herod had reflected more on Godโs Word, his story would have had a much different ending. Instead, heโs known today as the man who tried to stop the first Christmas. His efforts resulted in a spectacular failure and fall. With all his wealth and power, he came to complete ruin. Historical writings tell us that in the final year of his life, his body was infected with disease.
Ironically, Herod pretended to be a worshipper. He said to the wise men, โGo to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!โ (Matthew 2:8 NLT). Yet Herod was a false worshipper. There are people like him today. They say they believe in God, but they live a life that contradicts what the Scriptures teach.
Herod wanted to be the king of his own life, but he really was a slave. He ended up being not the King of the Jews but the king of fools. Herod ended up on the ash heap of history like dictators before and after him, reminding us that those who live wicked lives eventually will reap what they sow. Adolf Hi**er went into his bunker and shot himself as his nation crumbled around him. Saddam Hussein was found hiding in a hole and was eventually executed by his own people. Muammar Gaddafi was hunted down by his own people, beaten, and shot to death.
All those who blaspheme God, fight with God, or try to stop the work of God eventually will fail. Yet Godโs Word and His plan ultimately will prevail. Philippians 2:9โ10 says, โTherefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earthโ (NLT). The glorification of Jesus is as inevitable as His birth.
God gives us a choice. We can humble ourselves, submit to Christ, and enjoy His blessings. James endorsed this option. โHumble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honorโ (James 4:10 NLT). So did Peter. โSo humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honorโ (1 Peter 5:6 NLT).
Or we can be humbled.
One day, everyoneโevery man, every woman, every believer, and every nonbelieverโwill bow before Jesus Christ. Itโs inevitable.
Reflection Question: How can you elevate Christ in the way you live, the choices you make, and the things you prioritize?
Written by Pastor Greg Laurie
