Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. But Herod said, “I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?” And he tried to see him.

--Parallel verses:
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭6‬
Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”

In history, we see this happen time and again, where worldly rulers conspire against God and his people, and they are confused and bewildered when God delivers his people. Or if they do martyr them for their faith, another powerful servant of the Lord steps into their place. Today, instead of nations, we might see this in the business world with large companies, as well. Why is this? Why do they come against God, his anointed one (Jesus Christ), and their followers. It has to do with a big ego and a large amount of pride. They fashion themselves as some type of demigod. And when a humble servant of the Most High God will not conform to their sinful ways, they retaliate.

What we find here is Herod is a very evil man. He does not even have any remorse for killing John the Baptist, though he did it while likely drunk, at the request of Herodias’ daughter, who was dancing for him. John was beheaded for calling out as sin the sexual perversion Herod was involved in by taking his brother’s wife. Now he is wondering who Jesus is? Some of these thoughts might have been running through his head: Am I more or less popular than Jesus? Does he want my position of power? Will he cause trouble for me by stirring up the Jews? Can I use him to get what I want?

The reality is, God is way ahead of Herod in his plan for eternal power and reign. Herod only sees so far out; God sees throughout time.

When we are faced with situations of persecution for our faith or evil rulers over us who try and bring down problems, we must bow up and stand strong for the truth and our Lord. He will come through to deliver us either in this life or the next. We can also take a cue from God and have the accurate perspective of internally laughing at these rulers who come against him. They will get their due. Jesus is Lord of all!

Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me and being a strong and powerful ally in this life. May I seek your face and bow down to you only! You are the only one who deserves my praise!