Get Your House in Order: Don't Shoot the Messenger

"Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things,

which you do not know."

Jeremiah 33:3

God calls us to hard assignments. Just like completing them in school, you must follow all the instructions and more than anything, finish and turn in the assignment. The grade comes only after it is turned in. When you have done your part and there's nothing else to do but give it to the Teacher.

Matthew 14 gave me some insight on just how much our associations, choices and unwavering faith factor in when sharing the gospel. At all cost. And complete the assignment given. We all know John the Baptist. I have read this before but for some reason, this story stuck with me this go round of study. I would love to hear any thoughts. It's been sitting in my "draft box" a while and after rereading tonight, just thought I would share. I am turning in my assignment.

Notes on Matthew 14: Cost of Sin and Choices

Herod had put John the Baptist in jail because of "Herodias, his brother Phillip's wife. John had called him out on it, told him he should not be with her . Leviticus 18:16 "You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother's wife; it is your brother's nakedness." Matthew  14:4 "For John said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." John did not say those words or make that law, God did. He was relaying it to Herod. And Herod used his authority to have him put in prison because he did not like what he said. He actually wanted to kill him but feared what would happen if he did so (verse 5). Herod was involved with something he knew was wrong. And it backfired.

"But when Herod's birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. Therefore, he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask."
Matthew 14:6-7

Uh oh. From here, I am thinking, nothing good is coming out of this. Omission and blatantly ignoring sin. And even after you have been warned. Is it easy to repent and turn away, probably not. Is it completely necessary? Absolutely! He thought holding John in prison would give him the freedom to ignore God's word and go on pleasing his flesh. So, he celebrated. All about the celebration, having fun, party hardy and offering up whatever, to keep the fun going...until...

"So she, having been prompted by her mother said, "Give me John the Baptist's head here on a platter." (verse 7) Can you imagine the look on his face at that request? Somehow he is not in control of  his world. He did not get away with it. And because he was among the others at the party and all "those", he had to go through with the oath. "And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat, he commanded it be given to her." (verse 9). Not only did the king's mistake cost him, it took the life of John the Baptist. There is no hiding sin from God or going around it in our own way to justify.

"So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother." (Matthew 14:10-11). The child obeyed the mother. yet the King himself did not obey the law. Herod also involved others in a great tragedy of evil. The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10). Jesus came to give us life, life more abundant.

"Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it and went and told Jesus." 

Matthew 14:11

Day#306 The truth hurts sometimes

Blessings,

Suzanne