“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 a sign of some sort.  He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.” (Luke 23:8-9)

     Herod was quite superficial in his thoughts about Jesus.  He “hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort.” He was interested in what Jesus could do, but not in what Jesus might challenge him to do.  You could say that he held Jesus “at arm’s length.”

     For you and me, are we tempted to keep Jesus at arm’s length, or do we submit ourselves fully to him?  Sooner or later, that is a question each of us has to answer.  Consider this—are we gaining anything by not allowing Jesus to be close to us, or are we losing out?  I’m thinking that we are missing out on a whole lot by not drawing close to God.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help each and every one of us to make the most important decision ever—to submit ourselves to you and allow you to direct us in a new way of life.  Convict our hearts and move us toward you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.