Read Matthew Chapter 14:1-12
Part 1 – “Wow, I Didn’t See That Coming!”
John the Baptist had been in prison for quite some time because Herod, the Tetrarch [ruler of a section of the country], put him in prison. The reason was because John the Baptist confronted Herod for unlawfully marrying his brother’s wife Herodias. Herod wanted to put John to death but feared the crowd because they saw John the Baptist as a prophet. But over time Herod began to grow very fond of John the Baptist.
When it was Herod’s birthday, he had a party and the daughter of Herodias danced for him and his guests. He was so pleased that he gave an oath to give the daughter whatever she asked. Herod’s wife, Herodias, prompted her daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist to be brought to her on a platter. This grieved Herod but he had to keep his oath, especially before his guests. After receiving the head of John the baptist, the daughter gave it to her mother.
Because of how fond Herod had been of John the Baptist, I didn’t see that coming. I wouldn’t have expected that to happen. I wonder how John the Baptist felt when they came for him in prison to behead him? Was he initially taken back because he had been thinking, “God will protect me from harm” only to find out his death was before him?!?
Have you ever had something happen to you, because of no fault of your own, that caught you off guard? You didn’t see it coming?
God has given me the ability to run and exercise. I’m very thankful for it. But honestly, I’ve often thought, what if I lost my legs in a car accident? It would catch me off guard. But how would I respond? Would I stay faithful to the Lord? Would my faith sustain me or would I forever be angry with God for taking “MY” legs!? Or would I, by faith, trust God for a new vision and new plan for my life? Would my faith allow me to adapt and joyfully look forward to what new thing God has for me or would bitterness and hate rule my heart?
I hate to say it, but we will all face moments of “Wow, I Didn’t See That Coming!” When it happens, I pray that he would find Us Faithful to the end!!!
