May 24, 2013

“Herod - Conflicted”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 14:3-12
Mark 6:17-29
Luke 3:19-20

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We saw yesterday how Herod feared what he was hearing about Jesus.
He feared that Jesus might be John the Baptist resurrected.

Why had Herod arrested John?
Because John had repeatedly told him that it was not lawful for him to have his brother Philip’s wife.

Herod wanted John dead.
But he feared the people, therefore, he rested in the time classic approach - let your woman take care of it...much like Ahab/Jezebel.

Herod stood in awe of John.
Herod knew that John was righteous and a holy man. Herod actually protected John from Herodias.
But, the day came...

You read how Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted him dead.

Herodias’ daughter danced for Herod and so pleased him that he offered her anything.

Instructed by her mother, Herodias, she asked for John’s head.

How convenient.

Herod had “plausible deniability” before the people.
Herodias gave her husband what he wanted.
Herodias received what she really wanted.

Herod was grieved deeply.
He was very conflicted.
Obviously he had wanted John dead...and shared with his wife the sentiment.
Yet, He knew John was righteous, holy, correct in the word he brought.

As we have discussed before, often people think that the life of the Kingdom will have no problems. This is not true.

John lost his head.
He gained Glory.
He received His reward.