May 30, 2023

“But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.” mk 16:6 nkjv An empty tomb… still yet today it is the greatest news the ear of man has ever heard! The fear of death, the grave, and hell were all vanquished at that moment… That is, for those who believe in Yeshua and His victory over them all at Calvary.

There were two profoundly important personalities [and persons] who crossed paths in Jerusalem in the early first century… Yeshua, Son of man/Son of God… And, Herod the Great, who in reality was not so “great,” as he was a notorious man of disgraceful character and brutal acts, as reported by the Bible, Josephus, and other historians.

I think it is notable that the evil cabal [of the first Century] of corrupt religious leaders, political and royal elites, and scoundrels who did their bidding, were much like the people of the same likes and in similar positions of our times and in our society. All for the same purposes and motives. Humanity never changes, just different “players” on the stage of life. For the same reason, the Bible is always relevant and applicable for all people for all times.

There has always been a clear contrast between evil and wicked persons in conflict with the godly, righteous, and just. Lets consider Herod the Great and Yeshua the Messiah.

Herod was like most “Kings/Pharaohs,” they glorified themselves in the building of their tombs and lavish commemoration of their own prideful legacy… and yet all their carcasses rot away in a process they cannot defeat (although transhumanists think they can, as they are working at it, foolishly) … in contrast, Yeshua was placed in a borrowed hollow rock tomb with no fanfare. Even those placing Him there were fearful for their association with Him. Not to worry though, He would only need the “borrowed” tomb of three days…

The historic search for Herod’s burial place has been somewhat of a mysterious debate; The Smithsonian magazine, August 2009 edition has a good article on what most think is the solving of the question of Herod’s burial site… and interesting read [here].

Think about it, all the kings and nobles of history, including the ancient Pharaohs with their great Pyramids of Egypt, with all their wealth and power… are all in the ash heap of mortals. So then, what of one’s soul? Yeshua said:

”For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” mat 16:26 nkjv

It is interesting that only a few wise men seek the living Yeshua, while the whole world follows after the “whore of Babylon,” and the ensuing death associated therewith. John writing in Revelation 18 speaks of this:

“Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore.” rev 18:21 nkjv

And, “23 The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.”

Like in the days of Herod the Great, when a humble, gracious loving man’s [Yeshua’s] blood was shed by fools who, like men today, think their ways and intellect are superior to the “truth” that Yahweh has always made available to those looking for it… we must seek the one who has the keys of life eternal, and walked out of the tomb, instead of pursuing the ways of losers who are lining up to rot in the darkness of death.

“Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.” isa 55:6-7 nkjv

Shalom, John