An intensely moral tale
The wicked are not so,
But are like chaff that the wind drives away. Psalm 1:4
Read Mark 6: 17—25
It’s such a salutary moral tale. If I ever need to be steeled in integrity this should come to mind. The supposedly powerful Herod, who has listened to John, who has been perplexed, that is, who knows, just knows that there is a chasm between the truth of John and the falsity of his own behaviour, this man actually hears the word of God and recognises it. Yet he promises what he has to give to a dancer. He promises twice. He swears it. He stakes his life and half his kingdom on the whim of a voluptuous dancer, and the one who bore the word of God to him is borne away. This is the collapse of worldly power. That has to be my take-home lesson.
God of all power and truth and grace which shall from age to age endure,[1] shield me from staking my life on any other purpose than yours. Save me from false values, false promises, false hopes and dreams. Forgive my moral failures. When I have given my heart to a frivolous temptation forgive me. Lead me down the path that I will not regret, and give me discernment to see the end point of my actions before I begin them, that I may leave a legacy that will lead others toward you.
[1] Charles Wesley