Herod's Joy
When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle.
Luke 23:8 (NIV)
Herod was greatly pleased seeing Jesus: long wanting to see Him, hoping to witness some miracle. Gratitude for not being Herod. Curiosity without conversion applauds and crucifies within one week. Wanting shows is not wanting Saviors. Crowds pack; disciples follow. Circus joy never saves.
From what he had heard: fame without faith. Herod knew reports and ignored calling. Gratitude for ears obeying, never merely hearing. Information about Jesus never converts; surrender to Jesus converts. Herod collected news; he lacked one bended knee. Knowing without surrendering fattens condemnation.
He hoped to see him perform some miracle: Jesus stayed silent before the crowned curious. Miracles never entertain tetrarchs. Gratitude for wise silence: God never performs for skeptic audiences. Whoever seeks signs for show loses the Sign through pride. Herod left miracleless and pardonless, robe empty.
Today, examine your joy: do you see Jesus by faith or curiosity? Seek Him to worship, never to watch. Thank God you are no spectator: you are family. Trade Herod's armchair for disciples' road. Joy following outweighs joy watching.
And follow gratefully: the curious watch, the grateful accompany. Follow gratefully today. Watchers watch, followers follow. Follow closely.