Page 25 - Living Light 89

Wednesday June 25 - Herod the murderer
So (Herod) sent for an executioner... (who) beheaded John... and brought
back his head on a dish... Mark 6:27-28
Mark recalls the horrific murder of John the Baptist, mourned by Jesus: “I tell you; he was more than a prophet... Among those born of women there is no-one greater than John...” (Matthew 11:9-11). Antipas (the Herod in our passage), son of Herod the Great, who slaughtered Bethlehem’s infant boys, had become ruler over the Galilee area, divorcing his first wife and unlawfully marrying his former sister-in-law Herodias, who was also his niece! He imprisoned John for condemning this incestuous act and other cruel, immoral behaviour but ‘knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, kept him safe. When Herod heard John, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly’ (Mark 6:20).
Was this an opportunity for Herod to halt his terrible spiral into the darkness of Satan’s destructive purposes? Recklessly, in admiration of his step-daughter Salome’s dancing at a feast Herod promised whatever she asked. Obeying Herodias’ vengeful instructions the girl demanded John’s severed head on a platter. Now hearing about Jesus and haunted by his crime, Herod fancied he was “John the Baptist raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him” (Mark 6:14). But rather than appealing to God’s mercy, Herod gave into selfish ambition, later sharing responsibility for killing Jesus – before whom one day he will surely bow!
Sovereign God, we believe Jesus will return to judge evil and proclaim justice. Thank you that he willingly laid down his life to redeem and rescue us from our sin. Amen.
Thursday June 26 - Miraculous provider!
...he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. Mark 6:41
Mark’s gospel is action-packed! The word ‘immediately’ occurs over 40 times, building a sense of urgency as he recounts Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Following the sending out of the twelve and a reminder of the tragic end of John the Baptist we are back with Jesus, now pursued by desperate crowds. Mark writes, ‘Jesus... had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things’ (Mark 6:34).
Sometime later everyone was hungry. There was nothing to eat except the packed lunch a boy offered to the disciples – and yet everyone was fed! This famous incident reminds us that: 1) God’s compassion means he wants to come to our aid; 2) there is absolutely nothing he cannot do; 3) he gladly receives what we bring to him, however insignificant it might seem to us; 4) he is in the multiplication business; 5) he invites us to partner with him as he blesses others; and 6) he is extravagantly generous, providing far more than what is needed!
Whatever we lack today, our loving God is waiting for us to offer ourselves and what we have and to ask for his help. We cannot predict when and how he will answer our prayers, but faith is about deciding to trust him anyway, even if our circumstances feel overwhelming.
Saviour, your compassion, wisdom and power are boundless. Please feed us with the bread of life to share with others and to bring you honour and praise. Amen.
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PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY