Saturday August 2nd: Be careful what you promise!

“The king was distressed.”

Matthew 14:1-12

Herod was mindful of the cruel act he had approved in having John beheaded. On hearing the reports about Jesus, he wondered if John had risen from the dead. This had him very uncomfortable and distressed, as he was, when he gave the orders to behead.

Herod in his quiet moments must have recognized that John was correct in advising he ought not to have his brother Phillip’s wife.

The lesson for all of us is to be careful what we pledge, especially when we seek to impress others. Herod chose to carry out the act to satisfy his oaths and his dinner guests. There may be times we find ourselves in situations where we are encouraged to take actions that we do not feel comfortable with because they are immoral, and wrong, but we go along in order to be accepted by the group.

We can learn from this passage to continually call upon Jesus and the Holy Spirit for guidance in doing what is pleasing to Almighty God. Let us learn to please God and not man.