October 17, 2022 -- Mark 6:19-20 -- Do not toy with the Gospel

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.
Mark 6:19-20 ESV

Herod had a sense that John the Baptist was someone special. He realized he must be some kind of messenger from God Himself. He loved listening to him, yet he put this man to death (Mark 6:27 ESV). He had no idea of the treasure that was right in front of him—the treasure of a man of God who knows the LORD and would have willingly introduced Herod to the LORD of Glory if he would have humbled his heart.

It is a terrible warning passage. How many people, imagining they are doing good, are listening to the Bible preached, enjoying podcasts because they are interesting, but whose hearts are a far from God as Herod’s heart was. People, who like Herod, when presented with a choice, would willingly turn from God and embrace sin and all it wicked consequences.

Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts. Turn from your sin. Confess your sins to God the Father and on the basis of Jesus’ perfect righteousness, believe that His substitutionary death on the cross satisfied the wrath of God against your sins. Believe in God the Father and in Jesus, Whom the Father sent. Then, in the power of the Spirit, continually turn from sin and walk in the commands of God.

Father in heaven, do not allow me to toy with the Word of God and entertain the people whom I admire, without getting intimately connected to Jesus and the powerful gift of salvation which You hold out in His great Name. Spirit of God, give me the gift of a remorseful heart that confesses sin and awaits the cleansing flood of healing. Mighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, thank You for Your great covenant love and mercy. Bring many sons and daughters to salvation. Work out Your salvation into every part of my life. Amen.

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