Matthew 14:1-12 ...Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, for John had been saying to him: "It is not lawful for you to have her." 5 Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet. On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked.Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison.His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother.John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
It's sad that Herod killed John the Baptist. Herod liked John, liked to listen to John's teaching, revered him and wanted to protect him. But did Herod suddenly kill John? There were a few reasons. First, Herod preferred pleasure over spiritual matters. As such, when he was pleased by the dance of daughter of Herodias, he wrote her a blank check: anything she wanted, even half of the kingdom. Second, he preferred saving his own face over spiritual matters. When the daughter of Herodias asked for the head of John, Herod was surprised. I believe that he had a great struggle with himself. He knew that John is a righteous person. However, what was spoken has been spoken. The dinner guests were witnessing as well. Under double pressures, he killed John in the end.
I felt sad every time I read this story. Indeed, King Herod was eager for John's teaching. Why would he do things against his heart? Because he didn't put spiritual matter over all other things. Brothers and sisters, do not overlook this matter. If you have not put the Lord as the head of your life, your life will drift away with this world. It's not your intention, but your hand will be forced, and you will have no choice. But was it really that unavoidable? I don't think so. The primary reason was he didn't put the Lord first in his life. It's like Lot gradually moved his tent from the plain of Jordan to Sodom. From people's perspective, it is natural to move to big cities. But the real reason was he did not put the Lord first in his life. What's your situation? What's the Lord's place in your life? May God guard your heart and mind so that you will always be in Him. Pray with Pastor Tong 
Lord, may you help us to be sure that you are the master of our lives. In the name of the Lord, break all obstacles so that our hearts and minds can be taken back again. May you reign in our lives. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen! |
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