(Mark 6:7-29)
7 And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits; 8 and He instructed them that they were to take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt— 9 but to wear sandals; and He added, “Do not wear two tunics.” 10 And He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. 11 Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 And they went out and preached that people are to repent. 13 And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.14 And King Herod heard about it, for His name had become well known; and people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in Him.” 15 But others were saying, “He is Elijah.” And others were saying, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard about it, he kept saying, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen!”
17 For Herod himself had sent men and had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 And Herodias held a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death, and could not do so; 20 for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he had been protecting him. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; and yet he used to enjoy listening to him. 21 An opportune day came when Herod, on his birthday, held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders, and the leading people of Galilee; 22 and when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give it to you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 Immediately she came in a hurry to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And although the king was very sorry, because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he was unwilling to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring back his head. And he went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard about this, they came and carried away his body, and laid it in a tomb.
TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:
Let's compare Herod with the Apostle Paul. Some people prefer dysfunctional and destructive fear and hatred. Paul had been such a person, who was very zealous in his fear and hatred of the Church-movement, and made great efforts to try to exterminate all Christians, UNTIL he met Jesus and saw the light, believed and humbly repented! Meanwhile, Herod heard God's truths through John the Baptist and was even entertained by them, but never bothered to find understanding. And even when Herod heard about Jesus's ministry, and felt the guilt of murdering John, instead of repenting, he continued to create dysfunctional and destructive drama in his own life.
People will believe what they want to believe. Even if they see evidence of truth, they will continue trying to justify their lies. Just like Herod, people will deceive themselves. Even when they are afraid and feel guilt-ridden, their pride prevents them from going to the Lord for forgiveness and salvation. They prefer to remain in the world that they create for themselves, which will come to an end here on earth.
As believers, we are to love and pray for everyone. And as the Lord gives us opportunity, in God's strength, wisdom and love, let us share His gospel message. If and when we are met with resistance, this is when we "stop throwing pearls before the swine" and move on. Lovingly, graciously, God does not force anyone to love Him back, so why would we try forcing God on someone? But, we are to continue loving and praying for those people. We never know when someone will see the light, but God does! And God loves all people, and desires that all come to know Him in a personal relationship!
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