February 12

Matthew 14:1-12 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

vs 1-2: At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus, and he said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him."

Observation

The story about beheading of John the Baptist was told after the fact: It begins with Herod associating Jesus' fame with John the Baptist, suspecting that it must be John being resurrected from the death. Jesus' miraculous powers reminded Herod of John the Baptist whom he beheaded. Which makes me think Herod all along, despite of the fact that he was the one who ordered to behead him, knew John the Baptist was special and from God.

However, Herod didn't listen to John the Baptist, when he was rebuked by him of the adultery he was living in. Rather he continued in sin, and that led him to do what he did -- eventually beheading him by the request of Herodias' daughter at his birthday' party. What a terrible birthday it was!

One main impression of this passage, if i were to summarize in one word, is "regret." Herod regretting what he did to John the Baptist, despite of what he knew of him and sensed from him. This life of regret intensified as he heard about Jesus and His miraculous powers. And this life of regrets begins with Herold's unwillingness to repent when his sin was pointed out to him. Rather he continued on, and which led to one event to another -- a fear of men, a life of pleasing people, trying to keep his face, decision under pressure/or by a wrong motivation, etc. . ..

Application

Where in my life that I am continuing in my sin even after it was pointed out to me? Why am I unwilling to repent? . . . . which trigger a life of regret at the end? . . .
As I reflect on this question, I am reminded of David's encounter with Nathan, and how David responded in repentance, while Herod, encountered by John the Baptist, he refused to repent. The main difference between the two men seems to be a heart that's after God's own, a life that fears God.

How do l live a life that fears you? How do I gain a heart that's after God's own? I will practice in speaking with the Holy Spirit throughout the day in everything I do and every word I speak.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, remind me each moment today of Your presence.

Lord, it is my prayer that I want to finish well. At the end of my life, I do not want to suffer from regrets like Herod and live under fear. Help me to live a life that will be quick to turn around when I am told of wrong direction. When the Holy Spirit points out a sin in my life, help me to repent and re-align my life with new direction that's of the Kingdom's. May my heart and mind be filled with the thoughts of God, and Your desire, and Your heart, that I may fear you and walk with you. in Jesus' name, Amen.

--yanahn