Monday, August 20, 2007
Daily QT: 08/20/2007 Mark 6:17-20
17For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had married. 18For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." 19So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.
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For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had married. For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled[a]; yet he liked to listen to him. (Mark 6:17-20 NASB)
Looking at this passage, it is still surprising to see that the highly renowned king of Israel - Herod, is bowing and humble to the word of God, spoken through the mouth of John. He clearly knows and understands that it's is not lawful for him to have his brother's wife. Although he feels uncomfortable about his situation, Herod still protects John since he fears God and His word being manifested through John. We should think abou t how much fear and reverence we have toward God every day. Certainly, it is important that we meditate His word and pray everyday. At the same time, it's more important that we live our lives with a faithful heart, obeying and carrying out His word so that can become sactified through His spirit every day.
I was also struck by the fact that Herod recognized John's authority. And that even though he didn't understand John, he still liked to listen to him. I truly believe that we were created to worship and adore God. That is why we have an innate love of beauty and of nature. Instinctively, we recognize the majesty of his works. It is only through time, and the listening of this world's lies, that we begin to lose touch with the truth. Despite many years of corruption, there was still something in Herod that responded to God's word. I wonder if Herod could have been saved if he had had more time with John.
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