"for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him." - Mark 6:20
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| Photo by John-Mark Smith on Pexels.com |
Reflecting on the gospel account of Mark, as he carefully recorded the series of unfortunate events that culminated in the execution of John the Baptist, a holy man who was prophesied to have come to prepare the ground for the arrival God's appointed Messiah. He was a forerunner of Jesus Christ, his Cousin (their moms, Mary & Elizabeth were cousins). He was also described as a holy man who lived in the wilderness, clad uncomfortably in camel's hair, and lived on a diet of locusts and honey.
His holy way of living pointed his followers to holy living and repentance, so that they would be ready for the coming Kingdom of God. This was portrayed in stark contrast to King Herod, who lived in luxury and defied God's commands by marrying his brother's wife. He even had the holy prophet beheaded, at the instigation of Herodias, his brother's wife, and a foolish oath to his daughter Herodias, who asked for John the Baptist's head on a platter. Another vile act that contravened God's law against spilling another man's blood (cf. Genesis 9:6)
Herod knew in his heart that John was a righteous man and tried vainly to protect him. However, he still gave in to his foolish pride and an equally foolish oath sworn before his men. He couldn't back out of his oath and had John executed.
Similarly, we live in an information-rich age, where fake news and half-truths bombard our eyes and ears daily through the internet and on the thousands of media platform that permeate society. Jesus is asking us today the same question that He had posed to Peter more than 2000 years ago after the miraculous catch at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:15), "Do you love me more than these?"
In Revelation 3:20, where the resurrected and glorified Christ declares, "Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me." There are many men, women & children out there who are desperate for freedom from half-truths, sicknesses of the body, mind & spirit. They're crying to hear and know that there is One True God, "Who will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4)
Let us be joyful bearers of truly Good News to a hurting humanity. Let's close with the beautiful words from this worship song that speaks of the glorious second coming of Jesus, our Holy LAMB of GOD who was slain.
Revelation Song
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Worthy is the,
Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to Him who sits on
Heaven's Mercy Seat
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You
Clothed in rainbows of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and
Glory and power be
To You the Only Wise King
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You
Filled with wonder
Awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name
Jesus, Your Name is Power
Breath, and Living Water
Such a marvelous mystery
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You
Artist: Jesus Culture feat. Kim Walker-Smith
Licenses: (on behalf of Kingsway (KGY)); Adorando Publishing, UMPI, BMI - Broadcast Music Inc., Integrity Music Publishing, and 6 Music Rights Societies
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/1L0BK0w83o0
Reflection on Mark 6:11-20 by Chris Tan
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