Today – Would We Be In The Prison Or At The Party?
This is a second post from this morning’s passage. Scroll down to view the other post – “Thankful for the Crumbs”, or click here.
There were so many great stories from today’s reading, that I decided to offer a second post. This one was from the account in Matthew 14:1 – 12
“But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger.” – (Matthew 14:6-8)
In this story, we see King Herod hosting a big party at his palace. No doubt, all of the important and influential people of Judaea were there. The politicians were all present, along with the wealthy businessmen, famous actors, and superstar athletes. I bet the press was even there snapping pictures of all of these socialites who were dressed in their best robes.
As the evening went along, however, and the people began to loosen up from all of the wine and strong drink that was being consumed, Herodias’ daughter began dancing before the crowd. By the way, Herodias was Herod’s brother’s wife, but Herod took her for himself. Herod was so pleased with this young girl’s lewd dancing that he promised to reward her with anything she desired, up to half of his kingdom. The girl conspired with her mother, and asked for the head of John the Baptist.
Why would the girl and her mother want John the Baptist dead? Because John the Baptist was the only one that had enough guts to speak out against the adulterous relationship that Herodias had with King Herod.
The thought that I got this morning from this passage is this: Would the Christians of today be in the prison with John, or at the party with Herod? I fear that most of us are so enamored with this worldly crowd that we would be right there with them. Where are the John the Baptist’s today that boldly speak out against the wickedness that is rampant in the world today? We are so afraid to stand out – apart from the crowd. Shame on us.
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” – (2 Corinthians 6:17)
Posted in Thoughts from Matthew by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.