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DYING FOR DOING RIGHT
LORD’S DAY, JUNE 8
Mark 6:14-29

Matthew 5:10-12

 

“…It is John, whom I beheaded:

he is risen from the dead.”

 

DYING FOR DOING RIGHT
 
John the heralder was murdered for doing the right thing. He rebuked Herod Antipas for committing adultery by marrying Herodias, who was already married to his half-brother Herod Philip and had borne him a daughter, Salome. It was also an incestuous marriage (Lev 18:16, 20:21). John had good reason to rebuke Herod. Herodias was vengeful and desired to kill John. But Herod had no wish to do that. He respected John greatly, knowing that he was a just and holy man. Moreover, John was a prophet, a messenger from God. Herodias, however, was a persistent nag. Herod finally gave in to Herodias. But he would not have John executed, only imprisoned.
 
Herodias did not give up on her evil desire to have John killed. She waited patiently for the kill. Her chance finally arrived during Herod’s birthday party. Herodias’ daughter, Salome, pleased Herod greatly with her seductive dance. For this, Herod granted Salome a wish fit for a king. Herod was a fool. Herodias told her daughter to ask for the head of John. This shows she desired to kill John more than anything else in the world. That was uppermost in her mind. Herod could not break his promise. Reluctantly, he had John beheaded, and his head presented on a platter to Salome who brought it to her mother. One can be sure that both mother and daughter viewed the gory platter with great pride and delight. What evil! Herodias’ wickedness is surpassed only by Jezebel!
 
The headless body of John was buried by his disciples who also reported to Jesus all that had happened. What could be said to John’s disciples? Perhaps these words, “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation… be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Rev 2:10). John was “faithful unto death” indeed. If there comes a time when our lives are threatened because of our faith in Christ, may we be ready to face death courageously like John.
 
THOUGHT: Am I willing and ready to die for Jesus?

PRAYER: Father, help me to be faithful unto death.

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