“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, 8 others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. 9 But Herod said, “I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?” And he tried to see him.” Luke 9.7-9
Who was Herod the tetrarch? He is Herod Antipas, the Roman-appointed ruler of Galilee who executed John the Baptist and whose curiosity about Jesus reflects both political unease and personal intrigue during Jesus’ ministry. Herod the tetrarch was the son of Herod the Great—the king who ruled Judea during Jesus’ birth and ordered the massacre of infants in Bethlehem, as described in Matthew 2.
Jesus is cruising along in His ministry. He is crushing it—taking authority, healing people, casting out demons, setting people free to walk with God. But the opposition from the enemies of Christ is vast. Not only in the spiritual realm, as we see with demons in the New Testament shouting at Jesus, but also from human opponents. The father and son Herods are enemies of God. Herod the tetrarch, mentioned in this Scripture, has already put to death Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptizer. Now, he turns his interest to what Jesus is doing, seeking an audience with this rabbinic leader.
When we do the work of God, Satan will attack. I experienced that spiritual attack this weekend as I led the Revive Winter Mission. Just on Sunday morning alone—when the camp was celebrating God’s good work among His people—I faced several spiritual attacks, which I sensed began on Saturday night during worship. Three attacks before and during worship: the song lyrics would not work in the sanctuary, I received news that my truck was stolen right before the service began, and there was a wasp on the communion bread. This last one may seem minor and laughable to you, but in the moment, after seeing disruption in the service beginning Saturday night until then, when I saw that wasp on the bread, I knew it was the best the enemy could do in disrupting the worship of God.
But Satan did not—nor does he—prevail. Jesus has won the victory. Just as Jesus was sending out faithful disciples in Luke 9 to proclaim the gospel, so we were proclaiming the gospel in Dallas. And these were our response results from the Revive Winter Mission: Rededications to Jesus: 16; Called to ministry: 11; Felt God close: 25. So I think God holds the victory!
If you are under attack this week, pray the armor of God over yourself. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Seek the Lord and allow His Holy Spirit to flow through you, by His grace and for His glory.
“O Lord God, You are good and faithful. When my love fails, Your love remains steadfast. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power. I love you Lord and praise your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen