Dangerous Dancing

King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, ‘John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.’ But others said, ‘It is Elijah.’ And others said, ‘It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.’ But when Herod heard of it, he said, ‘John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.’ For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.’ And he solemnly swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.’ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the baptizer.’ Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’ The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.  Mark 6:14-29

People often get hurt or worse for telling truth to power. John was in prison because he dared to tell Herod the truth, and Herod knew he was right so he did no more than imprison him. Herodias wanted revenge and got it through her daughter. She manipulated the moment and the timing so she could destroy John. It wasn't enough for her that he was not free. We see this in our world today. Humans find ways to destroy prophets, truthtellers and anyone who stand in their way. Yet we are reminded that God is bigger than petty potentates. Our Creator knows our inmost secrets and provides shelter and direction when we are lost.

Wondrous Creator, author and source of all power

you have entrusted us with the care of the world

we are given free will and the wisdom to use it

yet some take cruel advantage of their power.

We know that some think they are above the law

and others have been crushed by the abuse of it

some think that power and money give them rights

to take away the freedom and the rights of others.

Let us walk humbly and not seek the powerful places

give us the strength to lead with grace and kindness

let our days be dedicated to the care of our neighbors

and let us be those who show the world the power of love. Amen.