Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Mark 6:17, “For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her.”

Background

There is (perhaps was) a show on television called “The Jerry Springer Show,” which I have never seen. But I have seen enough clips and highlights and advertisements to get a pretty good idea of what goes on during the show. And it basically boils down to dysfunctional families or troubled relatives putting their sordid lives on display for all to see, with a surprise or two thrown in to stir the pot and set off the fireworks between the guests. Lovers find out about infidelity involving friends or relatives, women and men flaunt their choice to sell their bodies, and just about any other deviant behavior is showcased to elicit reactions and ratings. The show has even bragged to be “an hour of your life you’ll never get back.” So I couldn’t help but think of this show when I read about Herod and how he ended up beheading John the Baptist. John had criticized Herod for marrying his brother Philip’s wife, so Herod threw him in jail. Herodias, the wife, deeply hated John and wanted him dead. So she devised a plan where her daughter by Philip would seductively dance at Herod’s party in hopes of enticing a favor from him. The plan works, and Herodias tells her daughter to demand John’s head on a platter from Herod.

Application

Well, you could just imagine this all taking place on the set of “Jerry Springer,” with the crowd going crazy as the dance ends and Herod has been fooled into taking John’s life. And did I mention that the daughter, Salome, was also the niece of her dad and step-dad? Fortunately, as far as I know, none of us have been on the “Springer” show. But there may be people among us who have lived this mess. And I know there are many of us whose lives suffer from the turmoil, chaos and guilt that might rival what’s on tv. But let’s remember why Mark is telling us the story. The wonder and power that was told of Jesus made a heathen like Herod think God had raised from the dead the servant he had beheaded. This Jesus is amazing enough for your turmoil and guilt. Let Him take you from the set of tabloid tv to sit beside the director of life itself.

Charge

As we seek Him today, turn over your dirtiest laundry to God. Let Him carry you through whatever crazy, dark times you are experiencing. Find out how faithful He is.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words