Sunday’s Sermon is on the Baptism of Jesus.  Jesus goes to be baptized by John the Baptist.  Next week we will be talking about the ways people give and how they decide what to give.

We will skip over most preachers’ least favored passages to preach, Herod’s killing of the babies in Bethlehem.  It is a barbaric act by a mad king trying to hold on to the illusion of power.  Herod was already a figurehead.  Rome ruled the land.  He was tolerated by Rome to keep the people pacified.  But his authority had limits and was a shell of King David’s.  Which may be what drove Herod over the edge. 

When the wise men told Herod that the king of the Jews had been born, he asked where the Messiah was to be born and then ordered the death of all the children of Bethlehem to try to keep his hollow throne. 

Control or Power are illusionary; we like to think we have them but, we are only given freedom of will not control of the world around us, no matter what chair we sit in.  We need not protect our authority or perceived power for all authority and power have been vested in Jesus Christ.

We are best advised to place our faith in Jesus and to accept his rule over our hearts and lives rather than trying to remove him from our chosen path.  Invite him on your journey and let him be your friend and guide.

Peace,

Burt