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. Mark 6 : 20
Readings this week : Amos 7 : 7 - 15; Ephesians 1 : 3 - 14; Mark 6 : 14 - 29
Thought for this week
Our Gospel reading this week does not make for easy reading. We hear about the ministry of John the Baptist from the perspective of Herod and his puppet court. It is a clash between misused power, and the Kingdom of God. A conflict of allegiances, authority and of choices. And of pure human vanity.
John the Baptist loses his life, but gains eternity with the Lord. Herod has a tenuous grasp of temporary power, and is acutely aware of what his ‘friends’ and followers think of him. He respected John’s faith and ministry, and ‘liked to listen to him’. Yet in his vanity he chooses to have John killed, to save face, and appear ‘the big guy’.
All our choices have consequences, however fleeting. Faith in Jesus enables those choices to become positive, helpful, even life – bringing.
We all regret some choices we have made in our lives. Jesus brings healing and hope. There is always forgiveness in Him (1 John 1 : 9). Jesus promises the past is put behind and we have freedom in Him, forgiveness through the Cross and new life. Jesus calls us to a new beginning, and to know He is the Lord of our future, the King of love and hope. Let us bring to Him all we have been, to be made new.
Rev Paul
Prayer for this week
Assurance of Forgiveness (based on Isaiah 29: 22-24)
This is what the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, says,
“No longer will their faces grow pale. They will keep my name holy; and will stand in awe of the God of Israel. When they do, those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding and those who complain will accept instruction.”
And those who are faithful will know that forgiveness is ours through the promised Son of God!
Believe and have faith in God’s mercy and grace, given to all who proclaim and believe that in Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
by Rev. Jan Brooks, Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas.