Matthew 14

When Herod the Great died, each of his sons became a ruler, also called a “tetrarch”, over 1/4 of his kingdom. His son, Herod Antipas, governed over the areas of Galilee and Perea. Herod had a half brother named Philip. While in Rome visiting Philip, Herod met Herodias, the wife of Philip, and the two fell madly in love. And that forbidden love led Herod to make a decision that resulted in the murder of a beloved man of God, John the Baptist. a decision Herod deeply regretted.

John the Baptist had a ministry near the Jordan river. There he preached the coming of the promised Messiah, and baptized people in the name of the Lord. When John learned of the union between Herod and Herodias, who had since divorced their respective spouses to marry each other, he preached against the marriage. Such a union was forbidden in Jewish law. Herodias was furious over John’s public disapproval, and had Herod throw John in prison. In her hatred, Herodias wanted John dead, but Herod, being afraid of a rebellion by the Jews, refused. And so Herodias tricked Herod into murdering John and presenting his head to her on a platter. Caught up in desire and running on passion, caused Herod to make a decision that would haunt him the rest of his life.

Even the best of us fall victim to making mistakes in the passion of a moment that can lead to a lifetime of consequences. I think of Moses who in a fit of anger sinned against God and lost his chance to enter the promised land. (Deut. 32:51-52) Or David who in the heat of desire slept with another man’s wife, resulting in murder and the death of David’s son. (2 Sam. 12:13-18) And Samson who in a moment of frustration told the secret to his God given strength, causing him to be captured, blinded, and killed. (Judges 13-16)

We all make decisions in the heat of the moment that end up as mistakes. We all fall short and need forgiveness daily. Fortunately, God’s grace comes in an abundant supply. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and filled with unfailing love. He does not accuse, nor remain angry forever. He does not deal harshly with us, but instead is faithful to forgive our never-ending sins. (Psalm 103:8, 1 John 1:9) And although God may let us reap the consequences from the decisions we make, His unfailing love for us is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. A love in full display through His Son Jesus Christ who, regardless of the mistakes we’ve made, stands ready to welcome us with open arms and not a pointed finger.