Image from soundcloud.com
View devotional: https://bit.ly/3VXR0gX
Hear the devotiona: https://bit.ly/4f71EuH
14 King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known. Some were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 Others said, “He is Elijah.” And still others claimed, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.” 16 But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!” 17 For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled ; yet he liked to listen to him. 21 Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.” 23 And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” 24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” “The head of John the Baptist,” she answered. 25 At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, 28 and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother. 29 On hearing of this, John’s disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. (Mark 6:14-29 NIV Bible)
I'm a sucker for stories on social media that seem to immediately hook you with a morality story with the good guy or gal is in a dilemma and the bad guy or gal seems to be the one who needs to suffer in whatever punishment may be coming. Some good stories involve a very innocent person who is hated by a potential in-law and suffers much at the hands of the powers that be. What makes it even more frustrating is that the clip will end abruptly and says search for part 2. And usually, there is not a part two or worse, there are several part twos and none are what complete the story. We have such a story here, and it's real. And to make it a great telenovela, it takes place in a palace. We know the king in this story is insecure and paranoid. We also have to add that he is wicked. While we're at it, we should add that this king is living with his brother's wife, whom he later married. The woman was not a nice person either and she was very sensitive about what was being said about her on the streets, especially by the prophet John the Baptist. This woman when she had the chance she took it. She knew that on her husband's birthday, he would be a sucker for any suggestion and so at the big fiesta thrown in his honor, the King, King Herod, had all his military and political advisors present. For their entertainment, his niece/step-daughter danced a dance which some have said was quite suggestive and so at the end, the king in his emotional high of the day asked the girl what she wanted as a reward for her dance. The king offered even up to half of his kingdom (It must have been quite the dance!) and having been couched by her mother, said she wanted the head of the prophet, John the Baptist, on a platter. Gulp. The king did not expect that, and to be fair, did not want to be expected of him. So, he orders an executioner with orders to bring John's head on that platter. This story unfolds amidst intrigue, power dynamics, and moral compromise. Herod, despite recognizing John’s righteousness and fearing him, succumbs to the pressure of his own pride and the influence of those around him. His rash vow leads to the unjust execution of John, demonstrating the consequences of yielding to worldly desires over integrity.
John the Baptist stood as a beacon of truth and righteousness in the midst of a corrupt world. His unwavering commitment to proclaiming God’s truth, even in the face of powerful opposition, serves as a profound example for us today. In our own lives, we are often confronted with choices that challenge our integrity—moments where the easy path diverges from the path of righteousness and truth.
When we face these moments, we can draw strength from John’s example. Like him, we are called to uphold God’s truth and righteousness, regardless of the consequences. Let us remember that our actions and decisions should reflect our commitment to living in alignment with God’s will, even if it means facing opposition or hardship.
PRAYER: Loving God, Thank You for the example of John the Baptist, who stood firm in his commitment to truth and righteousness, even unto death. Grant us the courage and wisdom to follow his example in our own lives. Help us to discern Your will clearly and to walk in integrity, even when faced with difficult choices. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to uphold justice and righteousness in all that we say and do. May our lives be a testimony to Your grace and truth, shining brightly in a world that desperately needs Your light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Reflect on a recent decision or situation where you faced a choice between compromising your integrity and standing firm in God’s truth. If there are areas in your life where you need to make amends or seek forgiveness for past compromises, take intentional steps to do so. Ask God for wisdom and strength to uphold righteousness in every aspect of your life, trusting in His guidance and grace.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
