Word@Work 072 - Mark 6:25-29
Published: Thu, 02/28/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 6:25-29 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." The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother. On hearing of this, John's disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. (NIV)
The proud king could not see any way out. He had invited all the important people so that he could look like the kind ruler (that he was not). The public promise of a gift to his wife's child was as generous as politicians kissing babies - it was a self-serving tactic. Now that the trap had been sprung for John the Baptist, he was helpless. Distressed, yes. But humble to admit his mistake - no! His reputation was at stake, and his need to be everybody's friend overcame his obligation to John and to God.
What a pathetic figure he is now. The text moves Herod off-stage as the camera focuses on John's head being passed between the conspirators; and then the rest of his body is brought out to the sad burial party of faithful believers. What a waste, how awful. But Jesus' disciples were also being prepared for the cruel execution of their Master - and (for many of them) an insight into their own future martyrdom.
Evil had done its work - but so too had John. His task of introducing Jesus to His people, was complete. As John had said (John 3v30), "He must increase, and I must decrease!" Never think that the task of Jesus is to make you great; because the reverse is true. Some lives are indeed cut short but everybody dies, sooner or later. The question is: have you done what the Lord has asked of you? Irrespective of whatever others may think, it is the Lord's verdict that will count! So remember that His task for us today, starts by living and breathing truth into our culture - right where we are.
Prayer: Holy Lord. Thank you for the example of John the Baptist who did not seek his own empire, but Your kingdom. Help me to honour You in my work today so that others will see that You are much greater than I am. For Christ's sake, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
The proud king could not see any way out. He had invited all the important people so that he could look like the kind ruler (that he was not). The public promise of a gift to his wife's child was as generous as politicians kissing babies - it was a self-serving tactic. Now that the trap had been sprung for John the Baptist, he was helpless. Distressed, yes. But humble to admit his mistake - no! His reputation was at stake, and his need to be everybody's friend overcame his obligation to John and to God.
What a pathetic figure he is now. The text moves Herod off-stage as the camera focuses on John's head being passed between the conspirators; and then the rest of his body is brought out to the sad burial party of faithful believers. What a waste, how awful. But Jesus' disciples were also being prepared for the cruel execution of their Master - and (for many of them) an insight into their own future martyrdom.
Evil had done its work - but so too had John. His task of introducing Jesus to His people, was complete. As John had said (John 3v30), "He must increase, and I must decrease!" Never think that the task of Jesus is to make you great; because the reverse is true. Some lives are indeed cut short but everybody dies, sooner or later. The question is: have you done what the Lord has asked of you? Irrespective of whatever others may think, it is the Lord's verdict that will count! So remember that His task for us today, starts by living and breathing truth into our culture - right where we are.
Prayer: Holy Lord. Thank you for the example of John the Baptist who did not seek his own empire, but Your kingdom. Help me to honour You in my work today so that others will see that You are much greater than I am. For Christ's sake, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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