The Spirit of Herod

Daily Scripture Threshing for Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Today’s Text: Matthew 2:1-20

Key Verses: Matthew 2:16 (ESV): “Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.”

Whether it is Democrats’ liberalism and social permissiveness, or it is Republicans’ hypocrisy and religious manipulation of people; or even the pluralistic secularistic neutralization of every spiritual import of Christmas and the message of Christ—everything boils down to the spirit of Herod, which is “ajegbodo” spirit in Yoruba ideology. It influences and seeks to influence others negatively against godliness. See how the Bible said that Herod was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. The spirit of Herod makes our school teachers, social media, musicians and politicians influence our children negatively to hold erroneous beliefs about God, Christ, Christmas, worship, gender identity, and self respect that leads to self worship. The spirit of Herod made the first Christmas an unhappy event. Even at the trial, betrayal and crucifixion of Jesus, another Herod played an ugly part. O how Herod wants to remove Jesus; from our lives, lips, worship, Christmas and public life—by all means.

The spirit Herod is here. It manifests itself in anger or terror—desire to destroy innocent others including children. It is motivated by the spirit of fear, jealousy, and intimidation—we see all that manifested in Herod. The spirit of Herod is not only in public and secular places: it takes its hold — very strong hold — on religion and spirituality. Whether by manipulation or presumption, spiritual men are motivated, mobilized and engaged by it. Herod gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. Would you take a deep breath and ask yourself: what are the possible seed or influence of the spirit found in Herod in my own life and community this Christmas? How have they influenced, possessed or engaged me? Take a stand with wise men. Shun the influence of Herod and refuse to yield his voice.

Quote for the Day: “Men who worship with deceit in their heart, pretending to worship when their hearts are far from God need deliverance from the spirit of Herod.” (Simon Olatunji)

Prayer: Dear Lord, please purge our land and nation from every overt and covert manifestation of Herod and Herodia’s influence. Heal our darkness by Your light and dethrone every Herod from our seats of influence — in Jesus name. Amen.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D

The Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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