Go
Saints!

Friday
March 29th, 2024
L&T Opinions Page

gary damronMY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron

 

Last week we began a virtual tour of places in Judea where Jesus lived two thousand years ago. Today the focus will be on contrasts and tensions that started nearly as soon as the baby was born. Most know the story of Christmas, the manger in Bethlehem, and the king who did his best to eliminate the threat to his throne. We’ll look at the place, the players, the promise from God, and finally discover the point of studying any of this. 

Near the ancient city of Jerusalem lies Bethlehem, though now it’s more of a suburb. Two events happened in its history – Isaac’s beloved wife Rachel was buried there (Genesis 35:19), and king David’s grandfather Obed was born there (Ruth 4:11). Otherwise, there could hardly be a more insignificant place for the Son of God to come. His birth probably occurred in a cave, where most scholars now believe the stable was located, in Bethlehem. 

Just to the east of Bethlehem was another place, more prominent by far, which loomed over the people of that day. Herodium was a fortified castle built atop a huge manmade mountain by “Herod the Great”. Resembling a tall volcano, it was created by thousands of slaves, so Herod would have a fortress and retreat away from the city of Jerusalem. A system of mirrors provided a way to signal of dangers to the city, and below were gardens and pools where the king could vacation. The irony is that most of us have never heard of Herodium, but Bethlehem has a special place in history. 

Two players stand out in the story – the king, and Mary the mother of Jesus. Herod was an Idumean, proud, powerful, and constantly striving. Besides Herodium, he built five other forts including Masada, and another pleasure palace called Caesarea on the Mediterranean coast. Herod strove to maintain a position higher than all others. He knew some of the prophecies and tried to anticipate the coming Messiah by ruthlessly killing family and foes to preserve his kingdom. 

The contrast is clear between him and Mary and her unborn child. When the angel brought news of His coming birth, Mary said, “‘May it be done to me according to your word’” (Luke 1:38). She lived humbly. As a young female in her culture she was powerless, yet she was receptive to God’s plan. She responded, “‘He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble’” (Luke 1:51-53). Jesus later spoke, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit… Blessed are the meek… Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness’” (Matthew 5:3, 5-6). 

Regarding prophecies, there are more than 300 in the Old Testament, all fulfilled by the coming of Christ. Isaiah wrote, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son” (Isaiah 7:14). Micah said, “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days” (Micah 5:2). 

The point of the contrasts is that in a world of broken promises, God keeps His word. And in a world that looks like it’s gone wrong, God is still at work. In a world that seems all about power, God works with and through the lowly. 

In Jerusalem is the Church of the Nativity, perhaps covering the cave of Jesus’ birth. There is only one entrance, the Door of Humility, which is less than four feet high. As God “stooped low” to come as a baby to live among humanity, we need to do as Jesus said. “‘Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 18:3). We need to humble ourselves before God and surrender our pride. We must admit like Mary that we are powerless and depend on the power of God. They we’ll be able to stop our striving and accept the joy that comes from trusting God. 

LETTER TO THE EDITOR, Reita Isaacs, Liberal

 

From the time I found the subject for my next article [ ... ]

Read more...

MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron

 

With Easter approaching, millions around the world will celebrate [ ... ]

Read more...