“The king was sad, but because of the promise he had made...” (Mt 14:9)

“The king was sad, but because of the promise he had made in front of all his guests he gave orders that her wish be granted.” (Mt 14:9)

Why did the king Herod become sad? Is it because that he had to behead John the Baptist, an innocent prophet? With you I too certainly don’t think so, for in v.5 we see that he wanted to kill John the Baptist, but he was afraid of the Jewish people, because they considered John to be a prophet. Then, why is it now? It can be either he couldn’t do that on his own accord or he pretended to be so in front of other chief guests present there. But today, what I want to meditate on is, “because of the promise he had made in front of all his guests he gave orders that her wish be granted.” He had to keep the promise he falsely made before others. See how the innocent people from our pride and prejudice. The book of Proverb says, “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will back on the one who starts it rolling.” (26:27) Instead of fearing and pleasing God, king Herod found himself happy in pleasing man. Why didn’t he kill John earlier? For, he feared the people. Now why was he compelled to behead John right now? For, he was afraid of losing his image, name, and fame in front of the chief guests present there. Jesus says clearly, “A person who speaks on his authority is trying to gain glory for himself.” Since he seeks men’s glory only, there he cannot make a right judgment on anything. St. Paul says, “Does this sound as if I am trying to win man’s approval? No indeed! What I want is God’s approval! Am I trying to be popular with men? If I were still trying to do so, I would not have been a servant of Christ.” (Gal 1:10). 

               

Lord Jesus, we pray today with humble heart that we may be always seeking your glory than glory and approval of man. We believe that man can judge others only on their outward appearance, but you alone look into their hearts and judge them rightly. We feel sorry and ask pardon for the moments we went wrong in judging others and sought our own glory before men. Amen. 

                  

Take courage God is with you! Have a nice and blissful day….