April 18

Mark 6:14-29 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some said, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him." 15 But others said, "He is Elijah." And others said, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old." 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised." 17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife." 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.
21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Herodias’s daughter 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 to you." 23 And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom." 24 And she went out and said to her mother, "For what should I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the Baptist." 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb

Observation

I see a man, Herod, who still had fear God and would not harm John the Baptist even his wife wanted to kill him. But his sin eventually made him to behead John against his wish through his wife.

Application

Source of separation from God is sin. And it will force you to be separate from God and extended to more sin against own will and intention. Once the sin is presented in your life, it will take you the path of more and greater sin. There is no way of stopping this destructive progress. Be aware of your sin and its consequences. I need to be aware and go to God to remove it; otherwise, there are severe consequences regardless of your intention or will.

Prayer

Heavnly Father, let me stay close to you and listen to you. Let my heart to repent and listen your voice of rebuking. Help me to get ride of sins I have so that I don't sin more.

--Steve K.