Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under …
What would you be willing to kill another person for? Would you kill someone for money? Would you kill for love? How about for revenge?
Herod killed people for power. He was determined to keep his position of power and would kill anyone who challenged his throne. Historians tell us that Herod murdered members of his own family on suspicion that they were plotting against him.
In this verse Herod ordered the death of hundreds, maybe thousands, of young boys on the possibility that one of them would someday displace him. Not only does this act speak of the evil in his heart but it also shows unbelievable arrogance. He knew the child he was trying to kill was the Messiah. Herod had the audacity to believe he could thwart God’s plan.
So Herod killed to remain in power a short while longer. He would die in less than 3 years from this event.
Let me get back to my earlier question. What would be a suitable motivator for you to kill someone? Would you use deadly force to protect yourself or your family? Would you kill to protect your property? I really ask you to take a moment to answer these questions.
Now, would you kill another person because they are inconvenient? As vile as Herod’s action was in slaughtering the children of Bethlehem, it pales in comparison to the murdering of unborn children in America. According to statistics I read (Abort73.com) over 800,000 pre-born children are killed every year in America. In 2014 19% of pregnancies ended in abortion. The vast majority of those murders were committed because the child proved to be inconvenient.
It is plain and simple a holocaust. I write this in the same week New York made abortion legal up to birth. People applauded when this law was announced. What has our culture become? Convenience is more important than human life. Is there any more proof needed that our culture has become post-Christian?
Abortion is the ultimate arrogance of a self-centered society. Nothing says selfishness more than killing a person who was simply inconvenient.
If you have committed abortion and feel guilty, God is merciful and there is always repentance. God forgives sin.
Holy God, have mercy on us. As a society we have abandoned your ways. Give your people the strength to stand for Your truth. Cause us to live as salt and light in our generation and culture.