DEVOTIOON ~ BEHEADING JOHN THE BAPTIST

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Theme: Beheading John the Baptist

Text: Matthew 14:10-12

10 So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. 11 And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 12 Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus. 


In yesterday's devotion, we learned that Herod was sorry the daughter of Herodias demanded the head of John the Baptist. Today's text affirms Herod went ahead to give the command even though he was sorry because he was under oath before his guests. As we said in the previous devotion, the girl has nothing to profit from John's head so she gave the head to her mother when it was brought. Dear beloved in the Lord, we need to be mindful of what we do when our children are around. They will learn both the good and bad deeds we practice before them. Herodias wanted to just do away with John who was constantly reminding her she needs to return to her husband.

Some people have been abusive to others in their workplace, congregation, community, and wherever they find themselves with harsh words, making fun of others, and, belittling others making those individuals to be traumatized psychologically, emotionally, socially, physically, and spiritually. Such acts can be equivalent to beheading these individuals. Take note if you have done any of the above or the likes against your fellow brother or sister, you have beheaded them. Resist the edge to hurt people or to take vengeance because you will be doing much harm to society if your prey dies like John (such a person could be a breadwinner) or never dies. Just as John's disciples came for his body to be buried, those who die will be buried and their families will have lost them dearly in pain but those that do not die will experience a decayed environment of hostility.


PRAYER: Dear God, help us to have a good conscience towards each other in our walk in life. Where we feel hurt may we open up in sincerity and if the hurt is intended to keep us in Your Way, give us a nudge to accept our guilt. Cause Your peace to flow from the wells of our hearts and minds that we will be each other's keeper to Your glory in the Name of Jesus Christ have we asked.  AMEN!       

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