slaughter of innocents

SLAUGHTER OF INNOCENTS!

Matt 2:16-18

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,

18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

           Unfortunately there is not any definitive archaeological proofs for this event. One possible reason put forth by the Associates for Biblical Research says “the massacre might not have been as large as later church history records.  The Martyrdom of Matthew states that 3,000 baby were slaughtered.  The Byzantine liturgy places the number at 14,000 and the Syrian tradition says 64,000 innocent children were killed (Brown 1993:205).  Yet Professor William F. Albright, the dean of American archaeology in the Holy Land, estimates that the population of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth to be about 300 people (Albright and Mann 1971:19).  The number of male children, two years old or younger, would be about six or seven (Maier 1998:178, footnote 25).  This would hardly be a newsworthy event in light of what else was going on at the time.  Please do not get me wrong, one innocent child being killed is a horrific tragedy.

           While the sweet strands of “tidings of comfort and joy” surround us at the malls, yesterday terrorists killed 14 and wounded 17 in San Bernardino, California. It is hard to maintain both vigilance and what we commonly call “the Christmas spirit.” Notwithstanding the birth of Christ happened at just such a vile and violent time in history.

           Anger and not joy has flooded my heart this morning and an indescribable internal rage crowds out the required seasonal emotions. I long for a safe place for myself and my loved ones. My government has abandoned its role as my protector and has responded to this evil by trying to disarm me.

           Lest I leave you in despair this morning let me encourage you by reminding you that God is in control and that He is the owner of vengeance. He will repay. When you can’t trace His path trust His heart.

Rom 12:19

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Dear Lord, today I want to wrest vengeance from your capable hands and dispense justice as I see it. I am angry and afraid. Please come and provide your peace and safety. AMEN