December 7, 1941, is, as President Roosevelt stated in his speech, a day that will live in infamy. We had been attacked by the Empire of Japan at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. That attack resulted in the deaths of over 2,400 military and civilian personnel. Congress declared war was and our country was plunged in the foray of World War II. Such an act cried out for reconciliation. This could only be accomplished through the vehicle of war and the surrender of those who, by their acts, had aligned themselves as our enemies.
Less than four years later victory was official and the grief and sorrow of the day of infamy was overshadowed by the rejoicing of a country relieved over the conclusion of the vast conflict between good and evil. Most of us alive today do not have experiential memories of those times, only the records we read, or the stories told us by others. We remember because we chose to not forget.
Being the Christmas season, this “Day of Infamy” reminds me of another even more distant and perhaps more evil. Infamy is, according the Oxford American Dictionary: an evil reputation brought about by something grossly criminal. What could such an event be?
You may remember the record of the birth of the Saviour of the World as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. In chapter two we read of the wise men from the east who came seeking the newborn king of Jews. They had hazarded their lives to travel long distances to give him the worship they believed he was due. Of course, this was quite distressful to current ruler, evil King Herod.
Herod’s reputation was one of infamy. Even Caesar himself had stated, “it is better to be Herod’s swine than his son.” In his three decades of rule Herod had saw to the execution of numerous family members, including his most loved wife and several sons, to retain his jealous control of the throne at Jerusalem. It would be almost second nature to eliminate this new threat.
After attending to the worship of the babe in Bethlehem, the wise men are warned by God in a dream not to bring word to Herod. The infamous king is spoiled in his plot to eliminate the very Messiah foretold by the prophets of old. Or was he? If he could not eliminate a single child who threatened him, he would eliminate them all! And so, the order was given to slay all the children in the region of Bethlehem two years old and under. Such a cry of grief and sorrow had even been prophesied.
Matthew 2:17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping forher children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
This infamous act was but the illustration of the declaration of war on righteousness of God that began in the Garden of Eden. Herod’s evil actions perhaps are more visible and intense to our sensibilities but stems from the same sinful heart that we all possess.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Just as WWII would only be finished through the acts of war and surrender, so this greater and spiritual battle as well. The difference is this war was not fought on the traditional battle field or with weapons of mass destruction, or the amassing of mighty armies. Rather it was a battle fought by one, Jesus.
Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
He fought this battle on the cross of calvary. That is why he came. He came to defeat our greatest enemy, the devil.
1John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
In doing so our victory of sin and death is secured.
1Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
One amazing contrast between WWII and this great spiritual battle for mankind is the surrender. This war is won, but it is not the great enemy that surrenders to Christ. Rather it is us. We surrender to the sinless son of God, who fought and won for us, when we place our faith in the one that came to give us joy that overshadows the sorrow of sin.
Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Have you celebrated your victory in Christ?
In His Service 