By Mike Aleman | FāVS News Columnist
It is apt to compare the leadership of two tyrants with the leadership of Jesus, who arrived humbly as a babe in a manger, and whose power came from all-forgiving, all-encompassing love.
In a recent sermon at Hamblen Park Presbyterian Church in Spokane, Pastor Jennie Barber shared that in fear of losing their power, despots rule by manipulation and power. Every Christian knows that Herod feared the power of the king of the Jews, even though he came in the form of a baby. Every Christian today, and all discerning people everywhere, should realize that Donald Trump runs the presidency in similar fashion.
Like Herod, Trump rules by intimidation and from a perspective of vengeance. He has no compassion for the downtrodden, the immigrant, those he deems weaker than he. Bullies do that. Every psychiatrist will tell you. Why then, do so many remain silent?
Trump has now flaunted, nay, spit on international law, daring anyone to stop him, like Herod, believing he is invulnerable. In the past he made a statement about killing a man in the street and no one bringing him to account. He’s now achieved that status. How many innocent civilians died in the attack on Caracas?
King Herod knew that a more powerful king was possible and took steps to dupe the wise men into finding the child for him so he could kill the child.
In Matthew he told them, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” The wise men, however, were warned in a dream of Herod’s intent and returned from whence they came by another way.
“When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.” (Matthew 2:16)
Herod’s fury is the kind of fury we have heard from Trump on more occasions we can count. It’s the kind of fury he spits out on Truth Social on a regular basis.
Like Herod, Trump believes he is above the law and can make laws as he goes. The bombing of a country with whom the U.S. is not at war, and the kidnapping of President Maduro and his wife, illustrates — or should — the danger the United States is now in.
The country is led by a power hungry despot, who is free of the reins the courts and the Congress should have over him. International law, indeed no law anywhere, applies to him.
Perhaps strong-hearted men and women, some who have political power, knowledge of the laws and how to enforce them, will find the courage to take actions to limit the runaway power of our current president. Perhaps they will have a dream in which they are warned of this “clear and present danger,” and will take steps to save the country while there is still time.
In time Herod died. In time, Trump will be out of power, while the Prince of Peace still lives, and in the fullness of time, he will bring about the end of tyrants and despots, “and the lion shall lie down with the lamb.” (Isaiah 11:6)
The views expressed in this opinion column are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of FāVS News. FāVS News values diverse perspectives and thoughtful analysis on matters of faith and spirituality.
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Good comparison/contrast Ethan….I just hope we can overcome the damage Trump is doing.