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DEATH TO JOHN Mark 6:14-29 “Who does he think he is, anyway? Why, it’s none of his business what I, Herodias, may choose to do, and with whom I do it! The nerve of John the Baptist calling my actions evil! Referring to the law, he proclaims, ‘It is not lawful for King Herod to have me, his brother’s wife.’ I suppose he was talking about God’s Commandment, ‘Thou shall not commit adultery.’ Oh, that John the Baptist, he has me so upset. I’ll get him…on a convenient day.” That day came to pass when Herod, on his birthday, gave a feast for his nobles, high officials, and the chief men of Galilee. During the party, the king’s brother’s wife’s daughter conveniently came in and preformed a seductive dance that pleased the king and those who sat with him. It pleased him so much, that he offered her up to half the kingdom—anything her heart desired. So, with that generous offer, Herodias was now able to get what she wanted. She instructed her daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist to be delivered to her on a platter. Herod had known that John was a just and holy man, and he was exceedingly sorry, yet, because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. Instead, he cut off the head of John the Baptist, God’s messenger who was sent to prepare God’s way. But in John chapter 8, there was a woman about to be stoned for adultery that had been brought to Jesus in an attempt to accuse and test Him in His teaching. But Jesus raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him cast a stone at her first.” Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. Jesus said to her, “Woman where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” Adultery is a very shameful sin, but how many in the church have been playing the harlot, spiritually? How many of us have been enticed by a world of other lovers, putting everything else before God and His Church. How this must hurt Him in His heart. This is spiritual unfaithfulness. John’s message is, “Repent (turn from this sin), for the Kingdom of God is near!” And the message of Jesus is, “Go and sin no more.” Jesus does not condemn her, but is consistent in expecting purity in the church… His body, His temple, His bride. 1 Co. 6:12-20 To a sinner who will turn to the cross of Jesus and make Him her Lord, there is forgiveness and power to overcome this sin, never to play the tramp again. But for those who would rather cut off the messenger and his message by leaving or not listening, there are eternal consequences…spiritual divorce and damnation. Spiritually speaking, it is virtually impossible to behead the messenger of God, because Jesus Christ in all His glory and authority is the head of John the Baptist, and all who will hear his message today. Hallelujah! He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Rev. 1- 4) ~ Ruth Ann Ward
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