Today’s post is intended to get us to think about what drives us as the primary instructors of our children and the depositors of legacy. We live in a day when people’s primary drivers are found in the domains of power, sensuality, fear, and the striving for self-actualization— just like The Fox. Here is an attempt to capture his life in details.

Herod the Fox—Luke 13:32

• what does this arrogant, sensual, and power-hungry tyrant say? and
• what does The Prophet (John the Baptist) say to The Fox? Speaking as the mouthpiece of the Lord—says to The Fox: “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” (Mark 6:18)

 
What does The Fox say?

• “Lock that man up in prison!” What he’s probably thinking—but doesn’t say aloud is: “I’m afraid of the crowd.” (Matthew 14:3-5)
• “I’m not letting that man out of prison!” What he’s probably thinking—but doesn’t say aloud is: “I’m afraid of this guy; it’s obvious he’s a man of God.” (Mark 6:20)
• “I want to hear what John says.” What he’s probably thinking—but doesn’t say aloud is: “There’s no way I’m going to do what God tells me to do.” (Mark 6:20)
• “I can do whatever I want with my fantasies.” What he’s probably thinking—but doesn’t say aloud is: “These desires are getting out of control.” (Mark 6:17-18; 22-23)
• “I’ve made a public promise; I will fulfill my promise. Bring me the head of John the Baptist on a platter!” What he’s probably thinking—but doesn’t say aloud is: “What a stupid, rash oath I’ve uttered! But I’ll look weak if I don’t follow through.” (Mark 6:21-28)
• “Has John the Baptist come back from the dead?” What he’s probably thinking—but doesn’t say aloud is: “Oh no! I’m terrified of the spirit world; I don’t want to be tormented for all the evil things I’ve done!” (Mark 6:14-16)—Culled from The Good Book Blog 

Do these in anyway show the thoughts of your heart? Please do a heart and thoughts check!
 
The Lord’s response to an attitude of unrepentant arrogance won’t be different for us if our hearts are as The Fox’s! What does Jesus say? That is always the most important question when it comes to your focus and commitment to finish what God has assigned for you to accomplish (Luke 13:31-32).

Instead, may our posture toward God’s truth be that of humility, purity, faith, and submission. We’ll conclude on Herod’s legacy in the next posting.

Selah.
 

Pastor Afolabi Oladele