Greetings
Prayer Warriors,
Herod was
a typical political figure. He craved power and pleasure, and wanted
to look good in front of his peers. Yet, God gave him a conscience too.
Herod,
imprisoned John the Baptist at the urging of his wife. He never
wanted to kill him. He was fascinated by John’s righteousness, and most
likely couldn’t name what he felt around John; it was most likely the holiness
radiating from John that gave him pause.
But those
in political power often cow tow to the wishes of others, even when they know
it to be wrong. Herodias, Herod’s unlawful wife, (as she was the wife of
Herod’s brother) had a hate for John the Baptist, because he called out their
sin. Although Herodias didn’t realize it, John was actually being merciful*
toward them by admonishing their sin. But ignoring any remnant of her conscience,
she plotted revenge against him by having her daughter ask Herod for John’s
head on a platter. Herod complied so as not to look weak in front of his
influential and powerful guests.
You, son of man—I have appointed you as a sentinel for the house of Israel; when you hear a word from my mouth, you must warn them for me. When I say to the wicked, “You wicked, you must die,” and you do not speak up to warn the wicked about their ways, they shall die in their sins, but I will hold you responsible for their blood. If, however, you warn the wicked to turn from their ways, but they do not, then they shall die in their sins, but you shall save your life. Ezekial 33:7-9
The
challenge of guiding someone to the Truth by encouraging that they walk away from
sin remains just as difficult today as it was then. Most recipients
of admonishment will seek to crucify you in the court of public opinion if
challenged. Conversely, if someone calls YOU out, your response wouldn’t
necessarily be, “Why thank you my merciful friend!” But your
conscience would be nudged.
We must
seek to know Truth if we are to guide someone away from sin, for He who is
Truth is always more desirable than sin. He is the fulfillment of all desire. So
when someone justifies their sin or the sin of another because “I just want
(them) to be happy”, we must pause and reflect. We all
have a desire to be “happy”. Yet, happiness in this life is only fleeting. Shouldn’t
we want eternal happiness for ourselves and our loved
ones?? What good is happiness in this life if we are eternally unhappy?? Saints
such as John the Baptist knew this, and were strengthened in their holiness to
be a light for others.
Pray for
yourself and your family members, that none of you will be seduced by the
allure of earthly status, power and pleasure, but rather be focused on trying
to live a life of holiness. Like John, may your holiness give others
pause, so that all God’s children may receive everlasting joy in eternity.
Peace,
Joy, and Love,
Janet
Prayer
saves souls. Pray without ceasing. Pass it on!
