IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 6:16

First, a guilty fear (14-20). Herod was a man of fear. He feared John, he feared his wife, he feared for his position, and now when he heard the news of Jesus' ministry, he was seized again with fear from a guilty conscience. Herod exclaimed, "John whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!" Herod was quite different from John the Baptist, who fearlessly proclaimed the truth of God's word. What a contrast between the two! We see that a life without God is a life of fear.

Second, a time of decision (21-29). Herodias was poised like a rattlesnake, ready to strike. All she really had to do was to let Herod's self-indulgence run its course. The time of decision for Herod came when Herodias' daughter asked for John's head on the platter. Would he remember God's word? The trap was sprung and Herod was greatly distressed. There comes a time when the sinner must take action on the truth they have received. They must repent, turn to God and find grace. But Herod passed on this opportunity and John was beheaded. Although the news of John's death was a great sorrow to his disciples, the ultimate tragedy was the rejection of God's grace.

Prayer: Father, help us to live in truth and without fear.

One Word: The truth of God overcomes our fear