THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 6:19-29
“The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.” (Mark 6:26)
As servants of God, we are secure within His purpose and love.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t suffer… or die.
The Deceiver cannot touch us, but he can work through others.
As he whispers his lies into people’s minds, they conceive of evil and fulfill it.
Herod’s pride and Herodias’ vengeful bitterness combine towards John’s demise.
We still suffer in this world because others are heeding Satan’s lies.
Greed, abuse, bullying, pollution, war, injustice, corruption, murder, crime.
Torn between conscience and pride, Herod chooses to save face.
When have I faced this tension between conscience and self?
The Deceiver waits for opportune times to bring me down too.
But I can’t blame him, I am responsible for my choices… like Herod was.
When facing a choice between conscience and pride, or greed, or lust, what do I choose?
Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
(James 1:14-15)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I may shake my head head at Herod’s weakness, but am I any different? In my own way I compromise my conscience too. Forgive me and help me resist the lies.