Matthew 2:16 "When Herod had realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under..."
Herod hears of the birth of the Messiah and immediately goes into action to find the baby, and destroy him. After his plot is foiled by the Magi, he orders a mass murder of babies in Bethlehem. This event is known today as the Massacre of the Innocents. It is estimated the population of Bethlehem at the time was around 1000 including 20 or so boys of this age. Although greater genocides have occurred in history, this event was still terrible; a first century Sandy Hook if you will.
Ever since Jesus came on the scene, the evil one has been trying to destroy him. Not only has Satan been trying to destroy Jesus, he is trying to destroy all of his followers as well. Satan is after me, just as he was after Jesus in Bethlehem. How can I withstand his attacks? Are there times when I need to flee to Egypt for awhile? Who am I surrounding myself with to help in this battle?
Dear Jesus, thank you for conquering Satan, and help me to stand up to him as well. Amen.
