September 3, 2026 - Matthew 14-16

The story returns to John the Baptist in prison:  “When Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.  Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.’  And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given” (14:6-9).  This story reminds me of the story of Jepthah and his foolish vow (Judges 11).  Jepthah had vowed, if God gave him victory over his enemies, to sacrifice the first coming out of his house to greet him upon return.  His own daughter came to meet him, and Jepthah sacrificed her!  How foolish!  How stupid!  How sinful!  What he should have done is acknowledge before God his foolishness, repent, and ask forgiveness.  Instead, like Herod who had given a foolish oath, he continued down a wicked path when he could have turned back.  God is a gracious and merciful God.  He delights to forgive those who turn to him and ask.  I don’t want to overlook the boldness and the faithfulness of John that is here on display but I cannot escape how sinfully foolish were both Herod and Jepthah.  Good examples of who/what NOT to follow.

Blest is the man, supremely blest

Whose wickedness is all forgiven

Who finds in Jesu's wounds his rest

And sees the smiling face of heaven.

Blest is the man

to whom his Lord No more imputes iniquity

Whose spirit is by grace restored

From all the guile of Satan.  —John Wesley (18th century)