Death of the Innocents

Last Sunday, January 10, I preached on a passage I have always avoided, the murder of the innocents, Matthew 2:13-18. God sends an angel to warn Joseph to get Jesus out of town to escape Herod. Why couldn't God warn all the other fathers of boys two and under? Why did they have to die?

I just finished reading Randy Alcorn's book Is God Good? Alcorn does a good job dealing with the hard questions of faith. I appreciate his honesty about the dilemmas people struggle with related to suffering and pain and death.

I can't say why God didn't warn those families to save their sons. But I do understand why he did warn Joseph. He had a bigger plan, and Jesus needed to live past two to accomplish it. He didn't really spare Jesus, who had to be beaten and hung on a cross, becoming sin for us, suffering separation from the heavenly Father. He didn't spare Mary who instead of losing her two-year-old son in a swift murder saw her 30-something-year-old die slowly amidst taunts. But God made sure that the master plan worked, that Jesus lived past two so he could die at the right moment, a death that meant something.

And why did Haiti have to crumble to its foundations on January 12? Why are so many buried beneath the rubble, innocent children of all ages, faithful followers, diligent workers, those with much left to accomplish for the Kingdom?

I don't know that either. But I am confident that God is where He always is when crises happen, with those who are hurting. Strengthening those digging through the rubble. Holding the hand of those still trapped awaiting rescue. And resurrecting those who will no longer call this earth home.

And I am grateful God preserved the two-year-old Jesus to complete the plan. Despite the despair that pervades Haiti right now, that nation too can rise in hope. Let us pray and give to be sure that is so.

Check out helphaitiheal.org for updates and a way to give that goes 100% to the need.