S238P8 – Difficult truths: King Herod Antipas

Mk. 6:17-20

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.

They were not believers, but I spoke to them in truth whenever they asked about matters of morality.  Seemingly made for each other, they shared many interests and agreed on how to raise their children.  One day, the wife told me that she was planning on leaving her husband.  The reason she gave for wanting a divorce was not a reason I had heard from anyone ever, and it shocked me that something so small might break up a marriage.  Although they did not believe what I believe, my response had to be the truth.  I think she was looking for me to understand her plight and support her in that decision, but I had to tell her that she was just wrong on the matter, that her duty was to her marriage instead of herself.

Sharing the truth with those who do not believe in the Lord can be very difficult and off-putting for them because they do not see the world as we do.  John the Baptist was faced with sharing the truth with power with someone who did not believe as he believed.  On top of that, he was sharing that truth with someone of great worldly authority who was not used to being told what to do.  The king was not even looking for advice on his relationship, but John knew that he had to shed light on the sinful marriage that ultimately would cost the king his kingdom.  Had the king listened to John, his reign might have lasted longer, and perhaps he even might have gained what truly matters.

There is never a time when God wants us to share that which is untrue.  Sometimes He asks us to remain quiet, but when He tells us to speak up, it will be for his purposes.  He might have us shed light on the sins of those who, in that moment, do not really care about their sins.  He might have us deliver difficult truths to those with great authority over us, and they not only might not listen but also might punish us as a result.  That is the burden we bear when we agree to represent God in this world—to be his hands, his feet and his mouthpiece—but he gives us what we need to bear that burden faithfully.  Father, give us the courage and the confidence to deliver the truth to the Herods of this world whenever and however You command.