Christian Living

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"For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly". Mark 6:20.

Have you ever lived under the delusion that because the enemy fears you you will be safe from his assaults? Then consider the most ignoble acts of Herod.

King Herod in his mind was placing John the Baptist in protective custody, seemingly away from his brother's wife, Herodias, whom he married unjustly. It was written that Herodias wanted to kill John for this cause but she could not succeed on her own.

Little wonder when the very things which we do in our unrighteousness turn against us. The Bible says that Herod feared John and wanted to protect him. That was the ostensible reason for his imprisonment of John. However we often misplace our priorities and in the end we receive condemnation when we fail to do the things which the Holy Spirit asks us to do.

The question must be asked, if Herod truly feared John and loved to hear him preach, how come his life was never touched in any way? How come he was steeped in his adulterous sin? Several of us love to hear certain preachers and we love to listen to powerful sermons in church or on radio and even watch Christian television channels avidly. We even love to pray, albeit like the Pharisees. However, of what use will these be if our lives do not produce fruits: fruits of righteousness? The fear, love and respect that Herod had for John were not enough to protect John's life.

To most of us a time will come when we will be called upon to utilise the opportunities that we have and our knowledge of God to advance the cause of the Kingdom of God. That will be the true test of our existence. Herod had all the positives in his favour but in the end they did not count for the Kingdom of God. He ended up cutting short a life that was very promising for God. How about you?


"Those that shut their eyes against the light of God's word, will justly be left to darkness. All the miseries that ever were felt or witnessed on earth, are as nothing, compared with what will overwhelm those who leave the words of Christ, to follow delusions." Anonymous

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