6On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much 7that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 9The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted 10and had John beheaded in the prison. 11His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. 12John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus. (Matthew 14:6-12)
Thoughts: Herod wanted to kill John as John convicted Herod of his sin (14:5). Herodias dance and his foolish promise gave him an excuse to do the inexcusable. Herod was more embarrassed of not keeping his promise in front of his dinner guests, than he was of doing what is right in front of God. This is a lesson for all of us. We should want to please God above all- even if it means losing face before others.
Prayer: Lord, help me to value what you value even if it means a hit on my own reputation.
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