“Know That There Is A Day Of Reckoning!”
Herodias had her moment of vengeance when her daugther said to her, “What shall I ask for?” The answer came out as if she had been rehearsing over and over. “The head of John the Baptist” was her answer. Shakespeare may have had Herodias in mind when he created Shylock the Jew who attempted to win this kind of worthless – though priceless – prize of vengeance by attempting to have a pound of flesh off Antonio his business rival.
Since Herod had made promise the with an oath and in the presence of his high-profile guests, “he didn’t want to disappoint her.” Though with a heavy heart, he sent “an executioner with orders to bring John’s head.”
One has to be very careful before making an oath. We are reminded of Jephthah’s vow before he faced the Ammonites. He vowed to the Lord, “If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph…will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.” Jephthah had the victory and when he returned, the first person to come out to meet him was his daughter, an only child. He had to keep the vow (Judg. 11:30-39).
Let’s have a cursory glance at the executioner and the disciples of John. The executioner like many executioners today are harvesting the heads of innocent victims just because their masters have ordered to do so; just to feed their ego and pride!
The disciples like many of us do nothing to help the living. We are standing by, claiming that we are helpless. And when the executioner has done his job at the master’s command, we come to take the body to go and give “a befitting funeral!” (Mk.6:21-29). Sometimes it is best to say, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (Jn.11:16).
Some points to take home:
- Think twice before making a vow or speaking on oath. The prize may be deadly!
- Do not be too vengeful like Herodias when you are in position of power. The day of reckoning “will” come!
- As an executioner stop wasting human lives with the claim that you are acting on instructions. You are going to pay for what you do as an individual!
- As a true disciple, fight for the master until you are not able. Do not wait to come and carry the bodies for burial!
In conclusion my friend, this world is a stage where we play our parts according to the scripts. Pray that your part is not like any of the lead characters in the story above!
Prayer: Holy Spirit strengthen me to play a life enhancing role in this pilgrim land. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!