The Matthew text is a study in contrasts of how power responds to God’s revelation in the world. The wise men are brought together by this news and drawn to this new king by this compelling celestial light, while Herod—fearful of the loss of his own power—seeks to snuff out this threat to his authority.
We see these diametrically opposite reactions to God’s revealing truth all of the time. While some people allow themselves to be forever changed by it, others who refuse the opportunity to be transformed feel their only recourse is to respond with force and violence to extinguish any potential for real change in their lives. So the light of transformation in itself isn’t enough; it requires a willingness of those of us it shines on to take it in and allow it to become part of us.
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