Mark 6:14-29 (NRSV)
Read Mark 6:14-29 on biblegateway.com
Verse 14King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some were saying, "John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him." Verse 15But others said, "It is Elijah." And others said, "It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old." Verse 16But when Herod heard of it, he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised."
Verse 17For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because Herod had married her. Verse 18For John had been telling Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." Verse 19And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, Verse 20for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. Verse 21But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. Verse 22When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it." Verse 23And he solemnly swore to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom." Verse 24She went out and said to her mother, "What should I ask for?" She replied, "The head of John the baptizer." Verse 25Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." Verse 26The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Verse 27Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, Verse 28brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. Verse 29When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
Devotion
The prophets Amos and John the Baptist took great risks to speak warning messages of truth to powerful people. Notwithstanding John’s warnings, King Herod liked to listen to him because he knew John was righteous and holy. I wonder if my actions speak as loudly as my words, so people will listen when I share God’s messages. Specifically, God calls us to speak and act with love for everyone. Understandably, people may disregard us if we speak about love while we act without love. But when we consistently share loving, truthful words and actions, people are apt to think we’re credible. Then, even powerful people might hear what we say without retaliating against us. However, like Amos and John, some of our siblings in Christ risk banishment or even death when they share God’s messages, especially with leaders who abuse power. These courageous present-day prophets need our support and prayers.
Prayer
Loving God, thank you for calling us to use our words and actions to proclaim your warnings, love, and hope. Please protect our siblings who risk their lives to share your messages. Amen.
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