Twerking and wine: Herod Antipas beheaded John
1Cor. 2:1-5/ Ps. 119/ Mark 6:17-29
Mark 6:17-29 describes the beheading of John the Baptist by Herod Antipas who was tricked and defeated by a furious, evil and vengeful woman. Herods had a reputation for being immoral, hedonistic, lying, murderous, and treacherous. Herod Antipas was not different, he was a callous and debauched man who, possibly to fortify a political relationship, first married an Arab princess. When he traveled to Rome, his half-brother Herod Philip entertained him. He took advantage of Philip’s generosity while he was there by wooing and snatching his wife, Herodias.
Antipas had disobeyed moral and decency laws by getting married to his half brother’s wife, who was also his niece, in violation of Jewish law found in Leviticus 18. John the Baptist had scolded him as a result (Mark 6:18). Yet he got John the Baptist arrested and eventually beheaded to honour the vow he made to Herodias’ daughter. Herodias, influenced her daughter’s decision for John’s head because she has a grudge against John (Mark 6:19). She saw John as an obstacle against her social status and incestuous lifestyle.
Beloved, recognize the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Herod knew John was innocent and godly, yet he beheaded him to avoid embarrassment and became restless thereafter. Sin leaves us restless, when we deliberately disregard the voice of the Holy Spirit, we become restless until we forsake our sins. Never resist the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
In the face of much opposition, John did not give up on his mandate to prepare a way for the Lord. We are challenged to proclaim God’s word irrespective of attacks. We must stand as soldiers of Jesus Christ and further the course of truth and justice today.
Again, don’t keep grudges. Herodias was just as guilty as Herod. She had the opportunity to change but she refused and rather begrudged John. Her pride and anger turned to hatred, bitterness, and murder. Some of us are familiar with persons who harbor long-standing resentments, clinging to unforgiveness and bitterness because we won’t let go of a grudge. If we don’t let go, we may end up committing worse sins and terminating our relationship with God.
Salome, Herodias’ daughter, gave Herod and his guests a sensuous dance performance. A prostitute would normally have performed this kind of erotic dance. Obviously, their minds would have been clouded by lustful thoughts and fantasies. Beloved, some dancing steps are ungodly. In this sex-saturated culture don’t just follow trend, learn to listen to the voice of God. It is very much possible that Salome was twerking before Herod Antipas. Today, our streets; online and on land are littered with sexually provocating dancing steps – thrusting hip movements and a low squatting stance. Ours is a generation of flaunting curves. Sensuous dance plus wine, equals Herod Antipas. Be careful, watchful and vigilant!
More so, we must be cautious not to make hasty declarations or pledges. When we are angry or agitated, some of us impulsively utter the most horrible things. Even when we don’t mean it, our words have a powerful ability to offend and hurt. Let us learn to think before we speak. Ecclesiastes 5:2 says “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”
Lastly, Herod Antipas made a rash promise under the influence of wine. We must be careful with the way we consume alcoholic contents. Many have been rendered useless due to intoxication, others have poisoned themselves to domestic violence, fatal and ghastly accidents. Don’t drink before you speak, rather think before you speak. The Greek Poet, Hesiod, once said; “observe due measure; moderation is best in all things”.
LET US PRAY
Lord, this is hard. It needs courage and self-sacrifice. It is an uncomfortable job, but I will not run away from it. Come and act in me and not in me alone but in all men. So that we may reveal not your bloody, but your glorious face on earth. Amen.
St John the Baptist, pray for us.
