August 16th, 2026
Scripture – “For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him. Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.” And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” “The head of John the Baptist,” she answered. At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother.”
Mark 6:17-28 NIV
Observation – King Herod arrested John to please his new wife, who happened to be his brother’s former wife. John told Herod it was unlawful to have his brother’s wife so the new wife wanted John dead. Herod didn’t want to kill John because he knew he was a holy man and he liked listening to him. Herod had a big party on his birthday and his wife’s daughter danced at the banquet. Herod and his guests were pleased with her dancing so Herod said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.” And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” “The head of John the Baptist,” she answered. Herod called for the executioner and had John beheaded.
Application – Are your words getting you in trouble? Do you tend to talk big and then have to back up your words with action? Why not remain humble and choose your words carefully so your mouth doesn’t write a check you can’t cash? Proverbs 13:3 says, “He who guards his lips guards his life but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin” Think of all the ruin Herod’s words caused; John died, the executioner had to live with killing an innocent man, John’s friends would never see him again, Herod had to live everyday knowing that he killed a holy man, that he liked, because of his pride. Can you imagine the harm Herodias did to her daughter by asking her to have John’s head brought to her on a platter? Be very careful what you say today, use your words to serve God and others not to inflate your ego by “impressing others”.
Prayer – Lord, let our words be directed by you, not by our desire to elevate ourselves or put others in their place. Amen.
What are you doing? Do it better 