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Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. (Mark 6:20)
The embodiment of radicalism, John the Baptist dressed in camel’s hair, “ate locusts and wild honey” (Mark 1:6), and prepared the way for Jesus by boldly exhorting people to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4). All during his life, John stood as a prefigurement of Jesus, the one he heralded. An angel foretold both of their births and named both of them (Luke 1:13,31; Isaiah 49:1). They were both conceived as a result of God’s miraculous intervention (Luke 1:24-25,35). Even in infancy, people recognized God’s hand upon them (Luke 1:66; 2:18-19).
Both John and Jesus “grew and became strong in spirit,” and each spent time alone before beginning his public ministry (Luke 1:80; 2:40; Mark 1:12-13). The Lord made both their mouths like sharp swords (Isaiah 49:2), able to cut through the deceptions of human…
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There are times when i want to make flimsy excuses for not walkin upright but the story of John is a big challenge to throw myself open to God and wall in his ways on matter the situation. My prayer everyday ip that his spirit draws me out of my sinful ways. You can also say that prayer.
Truly, I have been like Herod. Fear of losing some things I would likely enjoy if not lost but like St. Augustine, I am not satisfied until I have found you fully in my heart. Lord, have mercy and help me to worship you better. AMEN!
this article has really exposed the life i live, appreciating the word and yet afraid of getting closer, and been careless sometimes. I pray this article will inspire me to get closer to God as well as everyone who reads it.