(Audio)
Herod lessons to teach us in how not to discern.
the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests
and delighted Herod so much
that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for.
In what ways does the world transfix us, like this dance does Herod?
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world (see First John 2:16).
It begins, then, when we allow our attention to fixate on things which, while in themselves perhaps not bad, start a process of corrupting our ability to act righteously and in accordance with God's will. When we begin to sense that a dance the world performs is drawing us to offer our inheritance as children of God in return we should look away, leave the party, and turn our minds back to the things that are above (see Colossians 3:2).
The enemy is only too happy to use peer pressure in his strategies against us.
"Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist."
The king was distressed
To do the right thing we often must go against what other people think of us. But the enemy twists this perspective, telling us all the reasons why we must look good before the guests instead. Surely if we ourselves are seen to be inconsistent and unable to follow through on our previous decisions the guests will think less of us. If they can't take us seriously than what good are we to them? Thus does the enemy lie to us. It may be that we ourselves must be revealed in our weakness. But this should not worry us. For when we are weak, then Christ is strong in us (see Second Corinthians 12:9-11).
When grow accustomed to following the promptings of the evil one we become confused about those who do speak the truth. We do not offer them the tranquil and quiet spirit that is able to receive their words because fear already consumes us.
This man is John the Baptist.
He has been raised from the dead;
that is why mighty powers are at work in him.
The LORD wants us free from these deceptions. He wants to be able to speak his words and have us hear them. He wants to guide and keep us safe from the wickedness and snares of the devil. He is leading us toward the final jubilee year of celebration, if we will but follow.
May God have pity on us and bless us;
may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation.
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