In a surprising twist, Pharisees warn Jesus of Herod’s threats on his life. In a very candid moment, Jesus brushes aside the threat of an earthly empire. Jesus’ work is utterly too serious to be concerned with “that fox,” King Herod. Jesus characterizes his work as a hen caring for her brood of chicks while they resist her protection.

The focus of his concern is the deeper needs of people for “the one who comes in the name of the Lord” (Luke 13:35), not the powers of an empire. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “… our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). The threat of earthly powers is not as important as Jesus’ (and our) mission to bring hope and protection to those who remain in darkness. Our texts this week challenge us to trust and believe this (Genesis 15:6; Psalm27; and Philippians 3:20–4:1). The Bible is filled with encouragement to trust God precisely because we can so easily turn away from God.

How do you stand firm in God’s promise and love?
 

Pray: Almighty God, help us to trust you alone and not to give in to the threats of those who would claim power over us. In the name of Jesus Christ, the one who came to protect us, amen.

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