King Herod was the Antithesis of Jesus Christ
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King Herod was the antithesis of Jesus Christ.
That was the quote from my sermon this morning which sparked a memorable conversation soon after. It was that comment that peaked the interest of one visitor to the church who had plenty to say about it.
Herod was king over Judea in the beginning of the Gospel story. That made him king of the Jews. However, that title rightfully belonged to Christ even though His kingdom was not of this world. Two kings. One people.
In a righteous world where people recognize their true King–Jesus Christ–there is no need for secular governments. It is only when we fall corrupt do we need or desire certain men to have power over our lives. Israel of the Old Testament was once governed by no man. Rather, they relied on God to be their legislature and king. Eventually, they lost the faith required to depend on God in such a magnificent way and elected their first earthly king–King Saul.
Perhaps this makes a strong case for the libertarian or even anarchy principles of self-rule and limited or non-existent government. However, we cannot exempt those passages of scripture which teach us to obey and even respect the higher powers.
Paul wrote, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil” (Romans 13:1-4).
King Herod was a godless man who committed some of the most heinous acts of evil any ruler has ever committed. He murdered his wife. He murdered two of his sons. He murdered countless civilians simply because they were guilty of Orwellian “thought crime” and spoke negatively of him. He also murdered countless infants in pursuit of Christ–hoping to destroy that would-be king of the Jewish people.
How could Paul so boldly teach us to subject ourselves to these types of higher powers? What about the way in which government, by its on virtue, is an evil organization which takes the place of God in our lives?
Even though Herod was a proud and unrighteous ruler, unfit for his position of leadership,
let us remember that he was used by God to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. It had been destroyed many years prior, yet it was needed in order for Christ to fulfill some of the prophesies.King Herod was the man responsible for constructing the new temple. It provides us an example of how God uses even the ungodly for His own great purpose.
Correction: King Herod did not rebuild the temple. It was actually rebuilt during the reign of King Darius of Persia. However, King Herod did majorly renovate the temple as well as bring prosperity to the Jews by selling royal gold plates for food. Thank you, Deb Priebe, for pointing out my error.
When it comes to government, we often make the mistake of thinking it is government–or lack thereof–that will solve our problems. Some have suggested we need more government authority while others have suggested we need less. I contend that no “amount” of government, no particular system of government, and no particular rulers or laws will ever solve the problems which exist in our present nation.
What we face today is a problem of unrighteousness. We have turned from God and have become all too comfortable standing in the way of sinners. Will kings in power–even the “right” ones–cause us to be better? Will removing our kings cause us to be better?
This is the revelation I’ve had forming within me over the course of the last two years. It seems our visitor today at church was under the same understanding and conviction. We both found ourselves reaffirmed as we discussed the topic with one another.
In short, government is the antithesis of Christ and an evil in this world. However, government is also a tool employed by God for use in His own purpose. The king’s heart has always been in the hand of the Lord and He turns that heart as it suits Him. How can we support or oppose the principles of man-made government?
I have been as guilty as the next, but we have deceived ourselves into believing we must become actively engaged in the never-ending political process so that we might contribute to a change for the better. In all reality, the government is a reflection of us–the people. As we become more unrighteous, the Lord allows the rulers of this nation to become great terrors. I believe if we were to become more righteous, the Lord would reign in government as a dog on a leash.
About The Author
Jeremy Sarber
I'm the pastor of one of the most blessed churches in all the world. I'm married to the most wonderful woman to walk the face of the earth. I'm host of possibly the most unconventional podcast on the Internet. I am thankful because I deserve none of it. Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | LinkedIn | Email
