Matthew 1-3: An Everlasting King

Ruins of Herod's palace at Caesarea

Herod was a megalomaniac.  He built incredible palaces at Masada and Herodium, he rebuilt the temple on a grand scale, and partnered with the rich and powerful such as Cleopatra and Mark Anthony. He seemed to have it all, but he was not inclined to share his wealth and power.  Nothing stood in his way, he had several members of his own family killed, including his wife, so when he heard from the Magi that a new king had been born, he did not hesitate to try to kill him as well. Herod's plans never came to fruition, not only did he not kill the object of his jealousy as the child had been taken to Egypt, but he died shortly thereafter and was never to witness the power of the coming King, one who, as John the Baptist described it, would clear the threshing floor, gather his wheat into the barn and burn up any chaff.

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” - Matt .3:11-12 NIV

Herod didn't realize that all of his efforts, all of his great monuments were nothing but wood hay and stubble; that they would disappear, fade into the dust of memory, become just another ruin.  His rule and the rule of any before or after him, was being replaced by an everlasting king and an everlasting kingdom, one that would withstand the ravages of time.

2010 Post - Matthew 1-3:  Prophecy Fulfilled