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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: PROMISE (09/02/21)
Many people have spent time in jails or prisons falsely accused, or on trumped up charges. John the Baptist was sent to prison for telling the truth. Like so many during his time these prisons were dark, damp, and dirty. Prisoners chained to each other and to the walls.

King Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, sent John to prison as Jesus just started his ministry. The question circulating throughout the area was who is this Jesus? Some said John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, others claimed he was Elijah and still others a prophet like one of the prophets of old. But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!” Mark 6:16 NIV.

Herod imprisoned John to please his wife Herodias; who was married to Herod’s brother Philip. Herod and Herodias divorced their spouses and married each other. John publicly denounced Herod’s actions. I am sure John brought to his attention, “If a man marries his brother’s wife. It is an act of impurity: he has dishonored his brother. They will be childless.” Lev. 20:21

Herodias held a deep-resentment toward John over this situation. She wanted John beheaded. Instead of ridding herself of her sin, she tried to get rid of the one who confronted her. Herod delayed beheading John because he feared him. He knew John to be a righteous and holy man. Herod enjoyed listening to John speak even though he was puzzled by what John said. John’s words were true and right, but they did not penetrate Herod’s heart. Herod believed John was more powerful than himself. He feared John would inflict God’s punishment on him. Herod did not fear God; He feared man.

Herod’s birthday arrived and a party was thrown in his honor. Herodias, daughter Salome by her first husband Philip, danced for Herod and his guests. Her performance pleased the king. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want and I will give it to you.” And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” Mark 6:22(in part),23 NIV.

Salome being only 12 or 14 years old ran to her mother and inquired what she should ask for? Herodias did not hesitate and asked for the head of John the Baptist. At once the girl hurried to the king with the request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” Mark6:25 NIV

Scripture tells us the king was greatly distresses. The combination of his drinking, Salome’s dance, and his pride, he foolishly made a promise he regretted. He could not pull back on his promise. He ordered the beheading of John and had it delivered on a platter to Salome. She surrendered John’s head to her mother.

Nobody likes to have their sin exposed. We benefit having people in our life who point out when we have fallen into sin. By speaking the truth with love, they are capable of getting us back on track. When we are called out for our iniquity and repent of our sin, we are now in a place to move forward and help others. Solomon wrote: Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Prv. 4:23 NIV. A clear mind and heart will help us avoid making promises we will regret later. We must remember to fear God and not man.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
09/10/21
I enjoyed this piece. I think you did a fine job of retelling it. It could be tightened a little, but overall you did a great job of writing on topic and had a clear Christian message.
Bea Edwards 
09/14/21
You wrote a good bible study with a timely message.

A bit of red ink.
You wrote:
Scripture tells us the king was greatly distresses.

I think you meant distressed.
Minor typo. I do it often.

Proof proof and proof again.

The few times that I am compelled to submit an entry, it's a labor of love that I literally work on for the entire week, printing it out rearranging it, reading it out loud, printing ad nauseum.

Upon hitting the submit button I breathe out a huge sigh of relief and scold myself for allowing it to be so difficult.



Philippa Geaney
09/15/21
This is a great example of a rash promise.
The impact was profound.
Good reminder that promises are very serious. Thank you.