The Bad Things
Rev. Mic McGuire
Friday, January 4, 2008
When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were 2 years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men.
— Matthew 2:16
I know we just celebrated Christmas and you’ll probably think me a party-pooper. But Matthew 2:16 is part of the continuing story according to the gospel writer. Herod, a big powerful ruler of a big powerful nation, was threatened by the birth of a little bitty baby, Jesus. Because Herod was angered by wise men’s trickery, he chose to alleviate the threat of the little bitty baby, killing “all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under.”
When this horrific deed occurred, I believe many people asked the question, “Why God, why did you allow this bad thing to happen?” We see similar bad things happening today. Big powerful rulers and nations today oppress their own and others. Because of threats, real or perceived, innocent lives are sacrificed, considered acceptable collateral damage. And today, the “Why God” question is still asked. As a pastor, I truly wish I could answer the question. But, you know the saying, “There is a God, and you aren’t her.” Well, neither am I.
As we ponder this story, it might be prudent to ask ourselves if we’re asking the right question, especially if we truly seek understanding. Concerning Herod and the killing of innocent children, instead of asking “Why God, why would you ... ,” maybe a better question, or at least another question could be, “Why would Herod be so threatened by the birth of a little bitty baby,” or, “Why would those who were “sent” follow orders and slaughter innocent children?” Even though asking and answering these questions won’t change bad history, we might find understanding that could lead to a good future.
As we put away Christmas and begin to think about the New Year, maybe our resolution should be to seek answers to different questions. Instead of asking the “Why God” question, maybe we ask ourselves, “Why do WE allow bad things to happen?” Like Herod, why do we allow ourselves to bully the weak, the defenseless? Why do we allow ourselves to respond out of loyalty to an establishment, even when that establishment has misled us? Why do we allow people to go to bed hungry, or homeless? Why do we allow a system of “minimum wage,” instead of advocating for a “living wage?” Why do we allow the debate about aborting life only to include protecting the innocent unborn child and a woman’s right to choose, while not addressing respect for self, respect for the other, sex education, contraception, and the aborting of innocent life after birth, whether in military conflict, domestic violence, school shootings, etc.? Why do we allow ourselves and our neighbors to participate in behaviors that will lead to damaged or broken relationships, and can lead to addictions and even death (i.e. adultery, pornography, drugs, alcohol)? Why do we allow ourselves to waste any energy on gossiping, lying, quarreling? And speaking of wasting energy, why do we allow ourselves to abuse and overuse the earth and its resources? Why DO we allow bad things to happen?
Some day I pray we all enjoy a conversation with God and get God’s answer to why bad things happen. Until then, asking questions of ourselves today and seeking the will of God will offer us opportunity to do good things now.
Finally, lest we forget, that little bitty baby that threatened Herod was sent from God to reconcile the world to God, showing us how to overcome bad things with good. It was that same little bitty baby who on a cross willingly paid the price for all bad things, Herod’s and ours. And that little bitty baby is a good thing that happened because of God’s love.
F “Sunday Sermon” is a forum for Emporia area ministers to share their sermons, thoughts and observations. This week’s sermon is from the Rev. Mic McGuire of Grace United Methodist Church in Emporia.