Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Hello, folks.
Pretty morning out this window. I managed a jog with Dandy. Becki was pressured by the clock…in anticipation of her getting to Woodburn for a Bible Study.
I’ve already dropped my pickup truck off at a mechanic’s shop so he can replace the front brakes. We’re doing a trade for some sign work. Now I need to peck away at the big pile of work remaining on my list.
May your day be blessed.
Love, Dad/Ray.
PS: I almost ended up by saying, “Until such a time as you lose it, keep your head.” But then I reasoned that that might sound too shocking…maybe even offensive. So I won’t say it. But, read on.
Are you aware of a strange paradox relating to the Bible? On one hand, it is a handbook guide to finding peace, love, and fulfillment in relationship with a Holy God. Yet on the other hand, if it was given something like a movie rating, it would need to be about DOUBLE-X-PLUS!—maybe PG-75! Even these first 12 verses of Matthew 14 can serve as the plot for another wild juicy sensuous violent Hollywood production featuring diabolical evil among humans. I can just about predict how movie-makers would spin the story—presenting a glorification of self-centered power and pleasure—perhaps a bedroom scene with Herod and Herodias—giving special attention to the sensuous dance of Herodias’ gorgeous daughter—while presenting the eccentric preacher John the Baptist as a crazy narrow-minded nut case who is totally out of touch with the real world—and totally without any fun in his life.
How many viewers of such a movie would select John the Baptist as a role model over Herod? Probably about none. To be sure, you won’t hear Jesus extolling Herod, but He certainly commends John the Baptist. “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11). Here’s how I’m inclined to paraphrase that last line: “Those who seek first God’s Kingdom and become programmed by the Word will choose John the Baptist as a role model over Herod any day. And those who do so actually become greater in Kingdom standing than the one they are modeling.” How is that? Because they are doing so more by personal choice rather than being carried along by divine decree with internal programming as was more likely the case with John.
As ugly, unfair, violent, and bloody is the death of John the Baptist, this truth must not be missed: IT IS INFINITELY SUPERIOR TO HAVE YOUR HEAD CHOPPED OFF WITH A HEART AFTER GOD THAN TO MEET A NATURAL DEATH AMIDST SPLENDID DECOR WITHOUT A HEART AFTER GOD. Be reminded of the standard Jesus earlier set: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28-29). Let’s not allow clear Kingdom priorities to be compromised. All things considered (including eternity) for the true child of God, the removal of one’s head is really no big deal.