Herodian Mentality

Today’s readings:
Genesis 16-18; Mark 6

Mark 6:20
For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

And here we read of the account of the death of John the baptizer.
It is saddening for a king, to know what’s right, rejoice in what’s right, has the power to do what’s right and yet does not have to gumption to do what’s right. And what’s worse was that the choice was made over some frivolous reason.

Certainly some sobering thoughts for us.
Do we at times find a “Herod” in us? Knowing God’s righteousness, having benefited from God’s righteousness, totally within our power to obey God’s righteousness and yet lack the courage to follow through?
Perhaps it’s a fear of failure/rejection, fear of being ostracized, or may be (frightfully!) just simply being nonchalant and indifferent.
Slaying “John” may be the “expedient” thing to do. But if we keep doing that, we will ultimately pay with our souls.

Well did Paul write in 2 Timothy 1:7 - “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
God help us all to always have the courage to do what is right and neither be fearful nor indifferent toward it.