Competition from the Creator

2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Herod is such a picture of our natural response when someone enters our world presenting us with competition.  As King, he saw any other authority as a threat - especially one spoken of as a ruler of his province. His reation was similar to ours in our society - stomp out the competition. There is a lot of competition today - especially at this time of year - for our time, energy, and hearts.  Thinking we rule the world, we are ruled by other forces. Yet, when the idea of yielding all to Christ as King comes knocking, we resist, just as Herod did.  Let's step back and consider the craziness of that: resisting the rule of Christ the Creator. Makes no sense. May we in no way be resistant to His coming or His calling to make Him King in our lives.  May, we like the wise men, seek Him out, not run from Him.