Gospel

So Near And Yet So Far

by Roland Crim
08/28/19
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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. Mark 6:17-20 NIV

John’s message evidently did have some impact on king Herod. I imagine the king was a man with a troubled soul, one torn between his earthly desires and the message which John shared. It had enough impact upon him that he protected John although John was imprisoned. Unfortunately, we know the mistake of the king which led to the beheading of John.

Today, many have an attitude like the king. They hear the message of the Good News and they might have a bit of hope and wonder within. However, the desire for the seen, for the earthly desires blocks them from truly believing. We cannot avoid the enticement, the lure of worldly desires. They come to each of us. Do we allow these earthly desires to rule over us, enslaving us to sin? No, not if we belong to Jesus Christ. Just as the king was so near, and yet so far from accepting truth so are the multitudes today. Let us keep sharing the truth of Jesus Christ and praying that many will come to the Lord.