ANGLICAN DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL FOR JANUARY 21, 2023 (A RECKLESS COMMITMENT)
TOPIC : A RECKLESS COMMITMENT”
TEXT: Matthew 14:1-12(NKJV)
1. At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus
2. and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.”
3. For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put [him] in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.
4. Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”
5. And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
6. But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod.
7. Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.
8. So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, “Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.”
9. And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded [it] to be given to [her.]
10. So he sent and had John beheaded in prison.
11. And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought [it] to her mother.
12. Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.
MESSAGE
Like any corrupt politician, Herod the tetrarch persuaded Herodias to leave her husband, Philip, to marry him (Herod). John the Baptist in his forthrightness condemned and reproved Herod, not minding the consequence that would ensue. During the celebration of Herod’s birthday, he made a hasty and reckless promise under oath to Herodias’ daughter who danced and pleased him and his guests. He promised to give her whatever she asked.
On her mother’s advice, Herodias’ daughter asked for the head of John the Baptist right there on a platter; Herod granted the evil and wicked request. John’s disciples buried his headless body and informed Jesus.
The Church today is filled with hypocrites who flatter Church leaders. Some public servants curry the favour of their superior officers and refrain from correcting or telling them the truth. We must speak the truth in love as well as exhort and rebuke with all authority (Titus 2:15).
Reckless and quick promises can make you do what you would ordinarily not do. No wonder the Bible enjoins us to be slow to speak (James l:19).
Think and weigh every word before you speak! Do not make promises to God or to man that you will regret later.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to speak the truth in love, rebuke and exhort with all authority.
The Anglican Communion is the fourth-largest Christian denomination. Founded in 1867 in London, England, the communion currently has 85 million members within the Church of England and other national and regional churches in full communion.
