Two Examples of Unbelief...

Here are two examples of unbelief. First, when exposed to God’s truth, one wants to kill the messenger (due to loving their sinful nature more than accepting truth). And two, listening to God’s truth and allowing it to prick the conscience, but doing nothing about it. These two reactions to God’s word still live on, long after Herod and his wife are no longer here. Do you see these attitudes in our society today? When people who are in the wrong are called out, do you see them fight with death in there eyes? Do you talk with people who listen to truth, yet do nothing? Do you see any of this in your own life? If so, what are you going to do about it? These two types of attitudes cost a man his life, more than once (John the Baptist and Jesus). Harboring hatred will consume you.

14 Herod Antipas, the king, soon heard about Jesus, because everyone was talking about Him. Some were saying, “This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead. That is why He can do such miracles.” 15 Others said, “He’s the prophet Elijah.” Still others said, “He’s a prophet like the other great prophets of the past.”16 When Herod heard about Jesus, he said, “John, the man I beheaded, has come back from the dead.”17 For Herod had sent soldiers to arrest and imprison John as a favor to Herodias. She had been his brother Philip’s wife, but Herod had married her. 18 John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry your brother’s wife.” 19 So Herodias bore a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But without Herod’s approval she was powerless, 20 for Herod respected John; and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him.21 Herodias’s chance finally came on Herod’s birthday. He gave a party for his high government officials, army officers, and the leading citizens of Galilee. 22 Then his daughter, also named Herodias, came in and performed a dance that greatly pleased Herod and his guests. “Ask me for anything you like,” the king said to the girl, “and I will give it to you.” 23 He even vowed, “I will give you whatever you ask, up to half my kingdom!”24 She went out and asked her mother, “What should I ask for?”Her mother told her, “Ask for the head of John the Baptist!”25 So the girl hurried back to the king and told him, “I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!”26 Then the king deeply regretted what he had said; but because of the vows he had made in front of his guests, he couldn’t refuse her. 27 So he immediately sent an executioner to the prison to cut off John’s head and bring it to him. The soldier beheaded John in the prison, 28 brought his head on a tray, and gave it to the girl, who took it to her mother. 29 When John’s disciples heard what had happened, they came to get his body and buried it in a tomb. Mark 6:14-29