November 23 Eternal Purpose

 Luke 9:7-9 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed, because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, 8 others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. 9 But Herod said, “I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?” And he tried to see him.
 
WE learned in our previous lesson that Herod did not meet Jesus until the day of Jesus’ crucifixion. Today we examine a reason why Jesus did not go to this evil ruler to condemn his sins, including the murder of John the Baptist? Why wouldn’t Jesus have gone to preach the gospel to this sinner as he did to the vast multitudes? Wouldn’t Jesus have wanted to remove the demons that ruled Herod’s soul?
   To ask such questions, we could also ask, “Why didn’t Jesus go to Rome to confront the emperor who said, ‘I’m god.’?” Or why didn’t Jesus go to Pilate to preach? Let’s extend this further. Why doesn’t the Holy Spirit go in Jesus’ authority today to many such leaders as Herod? The world has no shortage of evil rulers. Where is God’s power before these horrible people today?
   The answer to these and every other “Why God?” question lies in understanding and submitting to God’s sovereign rule. The Bible tells us there are times God has appointed sinful leaders to be his tools to judge the Jews. Babylon’s conquest of Judea, leading to the Jews’ exile is one example.
   Other times, God appoints such rulers to point to his power to save us from such enemies. We see this also in Babylon as the book of Daniel describes how God reigns amid the evil there. As Daniel, Gideon, Jeremiah, Jesus’ disciples and other disciples throughout history have been persecuted by evil rulers, we are to stand firm in God’s ways. He is eternal. He is just. He is the Creator, who determines to do his will on earth, even to rescue you from evil.
   Yes, we must remember our ultimate battle is against the evil that reigns in mankind’s heart. Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 
  Remember, Jesus is on the throne. Hebrews 10:12-14 But when Jesus had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. 13 Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, 14 because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. 
   Are you one of those “being made holy”? You are if you confess Jesus as the authority to forgive your sins and to raise you into Heaven’s rule.
   The sovereign Lord judged Herod for his sins. His life on earth ended horribly, and we can be sure he suffers torment in Hell today. This is the destination for all who reject God.
   Put aside worldly concerns. Rejoice in God’s sovereign, eternal rule over your life.  
 
Prayer: You are the authority of my life, Father. Grant to me wisdom and understanding to trust your sovereign rule. Amen.