THE PROPHET’S HEAD ON A PLATTER

Matthew4:10-11 WMTH

And he sent and beheaded John in the prison. The head was brought on a dish and given to the young girl, and she took it to her mother.

Dear Believer,

How the earthly life of John the Baptist ended reveals the capacity of the human heart for purposeless vengefulness.

John had rebuked the king for having sexual dalliances with his brother’s wife. Whether he would have left them alone or not is a case that would make for an interesting debate. Afterall, Jesus was around at that time, and He didn’t say a word about it to the king who took his own brother’s wife. 

Well, John rebuked this man in public, and stirred up royal anger. The king didn’t like it, but he shrugged it off. He put John in prison, maybe to save face and then later let him off.  After all, he was the king. What would the word of a rough, locust-eating prophet do to him?

But the woman who was ‘snatched’ from her real husband didn’t take kindly to the prophet’s word. Herodias was going to silence John the prophet, and to do that, she was going to take off his head from his shoulder.

Then there was this party in the palace where the adulterous woman’s daughter danced seductively to entertain the guests. The king was so impressed that he told the young lady to ask him for anything.

What would a teenaged lady want from a king? A mansion? The rulership of a province? A fleet of ships to ply faraway places in quest of rare treasures? Jewelry of inestimable value? 

The girl’s mentor was her sly mother, so she asked her. Mother told daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist. I doubt that the girl even understood the implication of this.

Herod hated John, but he respected him, too. He didn’t want him killed. Unfortunately, the wicked king had married a woman more wicked than himself. 

The king was sorry, but he must never break his oath which he pronounced in the presence of so many people.  So he sent his guards to cut off the head of John, who was already in the prison by then. It was brought on a platter.

Platters were used for serving food, but the prophet’s head wasn’t food to be eaten. It was useless to the woman who wanted it. It had absolutely no value to the lady who danced. It wasn’t of any value to the king who ordered it cut.

Bitterness will go to any extent to extract it’s bound of flesh, and after it has gotten it, will do nothing with it.

There are characters in this story that must be prayerfully  avoided if you want to fulfil your destiny.

Herod the Shameless. He would shamelessly commit sin and wouldn’t ever want to be rebuked or corrected. Avoid such a friend or a leader. Study how Jesus related with this particular Herod and you will understand what I’m talking about.

Herodias the Vengeful. This woman wouldn’t only sin shamefully, but would use whatever power she has to crush anyone who speaks against her evil ways. She is usually very pretty and highly motivated. This character could be of any gender. They are driven by lust and power.  Pray for wisdom to deal with these. 

Salome the Puppet. People like her have no mind of their own. They may be highly skilled in something, but they still have someone with selfish interest pulling their strings somewhere and influencing their every decision. Being close to someone like that sets you up to be used or seriously hurt by some bad people.

In all, ask, and believe God for wisdom, discretion and divine protection. May you not be a victim of a vindictive person or people in the name of Jesus. Start praying now.

Have a great day.

Your friend,

Deon.

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