2023-01-01 Clash of the Kingdoms

Matthew 2 vv 13-23 - The slaughter of the innocents

• Contextually note that a recurring theme of scripture is the idea of the clash of earthly vs heavenly kingdoms. This is what's happening in this passage
• Jesus was born into a world where hideous despots were willing to go to desparate lengths to maintain power. In short, a world like ours today. We continue to experience life as a clash between kingdoms.
• Which kingdom do we find ourselves aligned with/
  • Herod: Control, money, power
  • Jesus: Giving, sacrificial love
• New year: what is God asking us to remove from our lives this year? (instead of add)
  • Something from our schedule? budget? prominence in our thoughts/feelings?
  • Consider removing big things from our lives. Trust God