MONDAY

Luke 2:8-20; Matthew 2:1-15

How do we respond when we find ourselves in the presence of royalty? Our responses today, because of the democratic ideals which have influenced the way we think about such things, may well be somewhat different than what they would be if we lived in Bible times, or even the many centuries that followed them, or in a part of the world today in which those ideals are not, or no longer are, central. But, however those in authority get there or exercise the power they have, there is always a certain sense of recognition and awareness of the significance those positions represent. Even if we experience times in which those in power are not acting in respectable ways, we might still have a great deal of respect for the position and what it represents. But beyond this, there is yet another level of recognition that goes still deeper. In today’s passages, we read about two very different kinds of kings, and two very different kinds of responses to them. As you reflect on the passages today, consider the following:

• As you listen to Luke’s description of how Jesus’ birth was proclaimed to the shepherds and how they responded, what do you notice about the tone of the announcement and the emotions and feelings associated with it?

• As you listen to the story Matthew tells, we are introduced not only to an additional king, but a very different kind of king. What is the feeling tone, and the kind of emotional responses that seem to be tied to this king?

• What kind of contrasts do you see between the way that Jesus is king and the way that Herod is king?

• How would serving a king be different depending upon whether or not that kingdom was centered around good news of great joy for everyone, or concern and apprehension about what might threaten one’s power?

• What is fundamentally different about bowing before Herod and bowing before Jesus?

• What clues from these stories do you get about the kind of king that Jesus is, and the way that Jesus motivates and rules?

Take a few moments to appreciate the contrasting kingdoms as you talk with God in prayer about what is on your mind and heart as you reflect on all this.