Oh, Father, an odd day it has been – meetings and an early school dismissal for parent/teacher conferences made for a short day as such. I have been struggling in preparation for an unexpected funeral but am ready to sit with You for a spell. Bless our time together. Amen.
Luke 3:19-20 (<<click to read the passage)
How often as children did we get into heated discourses with foes – and friends for that matter – that ended up in the batting back and forth of “uh-huhs” and “nuh-uhs”? I have had to step in a couple of times on the bus when this has become a problem. Both parties “know” they are right and will not yield to the other. It seems to be a significant part of sibling interaction, as well.
Really, as adults, we are no better. One or the other always feels that they have to get in the last word so that they may claim “victory”.
Well, in reading through today’s passage, Luke sort of jumps ahead to point out what would eventually lead to John’s demise. He confronted a very powerful person – Herod Antipas – by speaking the truth in regards to his marrying his brother’s wife. Herod was in the wrong but who was going to do anything about it – he was “the ruler of Galilee”? John is imprisoned and loses his head in the end.
So, from a human perspective, Herod could claim the victory because he had the last word and John paid for his insubordination with his life.
But in the setting of eternity, was that truly the case? Most definitely not! There is no evidence that Herod Antipas ever sought forgiveness for his many sins. And if that is so when Herod stands before God on that Final Judgement Day, God Almighty will have the final say and there will be no batting back and forth.
In that mindset, what does it mean for us? At this point, God allows us to do and say as we please. We think we are all that but, in the end, we will see that we are nothing and punishment will be owed. If we have not accepted Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf that debt will belong to us and we will have no choice but to pay it…for all of eternity.
Lord Jesus, may we release our pride and accept Your free gift of forgiveness. May we not be about declaring how right we are to our eternal detriment. Amen.
Nov 21st, 2019, Thurs, 6:03 pm
