The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. Mark 6:26 NABRE
Mark shares the details of the end of John the Baptist’s life. John spoke out against King Herod because he married his brother’s wife. Herod had John put in prison; he feared John knowing he was a righteous and holy man, yet Herod like to hear John speak. Herod kept John in custody, which was a means to silence him. But Herod’s wife Herodias harbored a grudge again John and wanted him killed, though she couldn’t convince her husband. But, there was an event where Herod entertained his guest and Herodias’ daughter danced amazing the guest. In his excitement Herod said she could have whatever she asked for and with advice from her mother she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. We read this deeply distressed Herod, but because he promised in front of his guest he “could not” break that promise. He had John beheaded.
At the time it is likely Herod is one of the most powerful men in the area, having plenty of wealth and many servants, yet he could not gain power over his pride. Being asked to do something he never wanted to do under normal circumstance he would have refused. But because his ego was involved and the pride of not breaking his word in front of others, Herod did do something he didn’t want to do. How often are we stuck in the same position? We do things out of an ill spoken promise, or we feel peer pressure. At times we allow ourselves to be pushed into doing things we wouldn’t normally do, out of pridefulness. Pride is a great sin which leads us down a path we sometimes pay for over a long period of time. We know we are risking trouble, and we do it anyway. Pray to have the ability to remove your pride.
Has your pride gotten you in trouble? How can you defeat your pride?
Pride is a great sin which leads us down a path we sometimes pay for over a long period of time. We know we are risking trouble, and we do it anyway. Pray to have the ability to remove your pride. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #pride #ego #Mark #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #gospels #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways