Despite Herod’s habit of spending time with John, he had no real inward response. Natural impulses overcame his shallow interest in discussion, even though the topics must have been spiritual. During his birthday feast, Herod was overtaken by pleasure (v. 22).
 
His stepdaughter’s dancing so pleased and excited him that he rashly offered her anything she wished, up to half his kingdom. When she requested the head of John the Baptist, Herod could have denied this. He still had authority, after all! Yet his pride would not allow it. His promise had been made publicly before the chief officers, and Herod did not want to look bad by changing his mind (v. 26). The girl’s wish was granted, and Herodias obtained her desire. Yet Herod knew he himself was responsible for John’s death (v. 16).
 
Herod’s willpower protected John for a time, but pleasure and pride overcame his will and caused him to sin even more fulfilling the Lord’s word in Luke 13:34,35.
 
None of us can ever make righteous decisions based on such impulses. They are strong forces that will overcome a mere sentimental attachment to Christianity. Without a strong bond of a genuine relationship with Christ Himself, like John who had said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn. 3:30), we are at risk of everlasting desolation—Stephen Campbell

Heed the warning. Shalom.


Pastor Afolabi Oladele