The High Cost Of Worship

The High Cost of Worship

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious.

Matthew 2:16

IN WORD Why did our sovereign, omniscient God allow the tragic events surrounding Jesus’ birth? The slaughter of Bethlehem’s sons is particularly disturbing. The King of kings had entered this world, and a jealous local ruler had caught wind of it when Magi showed up in Jerusalem with a desire to worship the new King. Herod’s prophecy experts pointed to Bethlehem as the place of His birth. The scheme to eliminate his “competition” failed when God warned the Magi not to cooperate. In his rage, Herod slaughtered a whole town’s male toddlers and newborns. All Bethlehem wailed.

Jesus “flew in” under Satan’s radar. God’s enemy missed his chance to kill the dreaded “seed” prophesied way back in Genesis 3:15. His rage flared, and the sound of “Rachel weeping for her children” (Matthew 2:18) filled Bethlehem’s skies. And if we think about it, we want to ask one simple question. Why?

Why did God allow Herod to be tipped off to Christ’s birth? Why did the Magi enter Jerusalem with so little discretion about their purpose? God spent much of Matthew’s first chapters warning people in dreams. Why didn’t He warn the Magi to avoid Herod altogether? Or even to stay home? Their gifts cost painfully more than their asking price. Why did Rachel’s babies have to lie dead in the streets?

IN DEED Because of worship, at least in part. It was important for representatives of the nations to visit the King and bow before Him. It tells us Jesus is more than a Jewish Messiah; He’s the Savior of all who come, even from the far reaches of this world. Even Herod’s rage—and Satan’s—has become a witness to Jesus’ identity. Was that witness worth the cost? We believe in an ancient, Middle Eastern Messiah because of such testimonies. They have given us life. And Rachel’s children now know: Their lives were lost that worship of the Child might happen—then and even now. Yes, it cost a lot. And yes, it was worth it.

Once the most holy Child of salvation gently and lowly lived below; now as our glorious mighty Redeemer, see Him victorious o’er each foe.

—MARY MACDONALD