May 6, 2020

“When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort.” – Luke 23:8

During his arrest and trial Jesus was brought before Herod who, at that time, was the tetrarch over Galilee under Roman rule. When Herod heard that Jesus was being sent to him, he was excited to see him. But he was not excited to meet the Messiah, hear his teaching, or seek salvation. He had heard that Jesus performed miracles and he hoped to see some of these miracles for himself. When Jesus refused, Herod and his soldiers mocked Jesus and sent him away. We do not know if Herod was hoping to use Jesus’ power for his own gain or if he simply wanted to be entertained, but it is very clear that when Jesus did not deliver the miracles Herod desired, he no longer had any use for him. Because of this, he missed the opportunity to know and believe in the One who could rescue him from sin and death.

Sadly, we are guilty of approaching Jesus with this same attitude. We have heard of the incredible miracles of Jesus and we desire for him to perform those miracles for us. We say he is our Lord when really, we simply want him to be our “on call” miracle worker. This error in our hearts becomes very apparent during times of serious trials. We want Jesus to perform a great miracle, change our situation, and remove our trial. When he does not act in this way, we no longer have any use for him. But the true power of a life lived with Jesus as Lord is that our Salvation in him rises above any situation or any difficulty in this life. Jesus may cure your blindness, provide abundant provision, or even walk on water to pull you out of the storm…or he may not. Peace does not come from knowing Jesus will perform every miracle we ask of him. Peace comes from knowing he has already performed the greatest miracle imaginable: taking this sinful man and making me a child of God.

Powerful and loving Father. Fill us with incredible joy and peace even in the midst of trials. Remind us daily that through Jesus, in Jesus, and with Jesus we are seated in the heavenly realms. No trial in this world can ever take that from us. Let that truth strengthen us for even the darkest days that may lie ahead.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon