Mary Frances Logue brought a book to me a few weeks ago before our vacation. She
only asked that I read it and consider it a gift. When we returned, I went into their
Sunday School class, head down, to let her know I had not read anything the entire
time I was on vacation. However, I started reading the book the next week and really
enjoyed the stories and information from Kathie Lee Gifford’s book The Rock, The
Road, and The Rabbi. Throughout the book, Kathie shares her experiences of going
to Israel and walking through the steps of Jesus and his disciples. Along with her is a
Rabbi named Jason Sobel who brings Biblical stories to life by sharing history or his
own perspectives that we may neglect in Biblical interpretation. I’ve found the book
to be a joy to read and thought I would share key thoughts with you over the next
couple of weeks that I hope encourage you in your faith.
Chapter 5: Caesarea and Herodium
Through Chapter 5, Kathie explores the infamous Harod the Great and the territory
which he lorded over during the time of Jesus. Herod was an interesting character
known for his brutality and murderous spirit. His most famous Biblical story was that of
ordering all the infants murdered around Jesus’ birth. (Mathew 2:16) Kathie records
Ray’s reaction to Herod and the site of his burial;
Herod! His voice echoed. Herod! Herod! Was it worth it? Would you do it all again?
The words of Mark 8:36 came to mind: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the
whole world, and loses his own soul?” Herod had everything – a kingdom, a family, a
thriving business, and a brilliant, creative mind. Yet he used all these things selfishly,
narcissistically, and cruelly to build a monument to himself at the expense of everything
and everyone else. He eventually died at his palace in Jericho, roaming the palace and
murmuring, “Mariamne, Mariamme.” (his wife who he had murdered) He had lost his
brilliant mind and his body wasted away. Josephus (Historian) tells us that he stank so
badly, even his servants hated to come near him.”
Life is a gift to each and every one of us. How we use the time is between us and the
Lord. However, along the way, we have the opportunity to have a significant impact on
those who we have influence over; both good and bad. The great lie we often tell
ourselves is that other people hurt us but we never hurt others. If this were true we
would have no need for salvation. God’s call to his disciples is to love our neighbors as
ourselves which indicates we also have the ability to do the opposite; hate and despise
others as Harod did. Would we be so different? I hope so! The hope of the world lives
in you but is perceived by our actions towards others. Love God and love people; these
are the rules of the road on this journey called life.
Keep The Faith,
Pastor Tommy
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