“He was very perplexed” Mark 6:14-29
The miracles and preaching of the twelve on their mission caught the attention of the people, including King Herod. They correctly interpreted the works as that of Jesus with the disciples acting in his name. But the identity of Jesus remained a mystery: was he Elijah? a prophet? Could he be John the Baptist risen from the dead?
King Herod, to his horror, was driven by his guilty conscience to believe the latter view. The question of John, he thought, had been dealt with, even if it was a bit messy. It was cleaned up, disposed of and forgotten. Nevertheless, Herod could not get John out of his mind.
For John had plagued Herod with proclamations of the unlawfulness of his marriage to his brother’s wife, Herodias, You don’t say things like that about the king. Herod had John locked up, for Herodias’ sake. Herodias would rather have seen him dead. I suppose you could say that Herod was defending the honor of his wife, but that would be drinking the koolaid. The Herod family history was replete with intrigues, schemings, manipulations, incest and murder. They were protected and dignified by their position and power, not by their character or righteousness.
Herod had a fateful lapse in judgment during a banquet he threw for the influential men of his domain. A young woman danced for them, drawing their enthusiastic applause. Herod was so impressed that her asked her to name anything she wanted and swore to provide it. The girl hesitated, then consulted her mother, who happened to be Herodias. She did not hesitate. She demanded John the Baptist’s head be brought to her on a platter.
Herod was sorry at this turn of events, but was unwilling to renege on his rash promises before his important guests. He gave the word and the deed was carried out.
Ordinarily, a daughter heeding her mother’s wishes would be considered virtuous. Ordinarily, a man keeping his word, despite great personal cost, would be deemed honorable. But not in this case. How easily we mortals reshape a lie to appear as the truth or dress up reprehensible acts as honorable deeds!
Herod had been given his chance, probably many times. He had heard of the miracles and preaching of Jesus, but did not turn to him in belief. instead he was swayed by his fears and held onto what was false. He had imprisoned the righteous John, while ignoring his own unrighteousness and pride.
Herod enjoyed listening to John, but was perplexed at his message. That indicates that he thought about what John was saying and considered it carefully, but was not ready to accept that his own actions were wrong and that the state of his heart was corrupt. Instead, he delayed making a decision. Ultimately he was trapped by the lusts of that heart and the foolish words of his own mouth.
How easy it is to ignore the gentle, quiet promptings of God! And how quickly we disregard them even when they shout to us with the pounding of drums and the blaring of trumpets! Keep your heart tender before the Lord and do not fail to make peace with him.
Copyright 2019 David J. Cooley