Devotion • November 8
Today’s Scripture Reading
Matthew 14:1–12
At that time Herod the ruler heard reports about Jesus; and he said to his servants, ‘This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead, and for this reason these powers are at work in him.’ For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because John had been telling him, ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.’ Though Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet. But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and she pleased Herod so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.’ The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother. His disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus. (NRSV)
Reflection
It is quite disturbing in so many ways, this particular story. We have John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin, who was very threatening to Herod, as John had challenged Herod’s marrying Herod’s brother’s wife. Herodias, the wife, had a grudge against John, and thus, when the opportunity came for her to get back at him, she seized it and had him beheaded. This is gruesome, yes, and I suspect not a way you might want to start your day!
I think that very often people view Christianity as holier than thou, puritanical, and simply out of touch with real-life issues. And I am sure there are reasons that such a perception cycles around many circles. But when we read this particular story and the tragedy that arose from someone trying to cover up or justify their actions (read: adultery; cover-up; silencing; death), we realize that these issues are not only in tabloids, reality shows, exposés, and character defaming, but show up with Jesus’ family as well.
Realizing this, it breaks our hearts, our minds bend, and we may pause and weep along with Jesus, who, after learning about it, could do no other than literally push offshore and try to find a place where he could grieve. And so for many of us, when mass shootings, family violence grip our very soul and when global violence and terrorism take lives without reason, we go to God with the words: Why, O God?
Prayer
Sometimes, O God, the actions of our siblings on this planet arise from searing motivations, and we find ourselves wondering how we can take another step without our legs buckling under us. But God, you promised to be with us, even in the most upending, sad, frightening times. Please, O Christ, redeem this world through hearts, minds, and spirits transformed. And may we be agents of love so mighty that broken hearts are healed and new life is possible. Through Jesus. Amen.
Written by Lucy Forster-Smith, Senior Associate Pastor
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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