Matthew 14:1-12
In Matthew 14 and perhaps in some of the following chapters too, we are going to see how Jesus deals with His enemies, the multitudes, and His disciples. In vv. 1-12 we meet an evil and violent enemy! The narrative is obvious--a flashback of Herod's foolish promise which resulted in the beheading of John the Baptist.
Herod had lived a wicked life. John had been courageous to speak out about at least one of Herod's sinful practices. Now when Herod heard the reports about Jesus' teaching and miracles, his conscience began to bother him, and he was afraid John the Baptist had come back from the dead! The way of the sinner is truly hard. (Proverbs 13:15).
Like anyone else, Herod could have changed course at any point. He could have heeded John's voice and repented of his sin. He could have listened to the witness of Jesus' life and words and trusted Him. He could have refrained from making foolish, boastful promises to his party guests. He could have admitted that his boast was foolish and wrong and refused to carry it out. But he did none of this. Instead he plunged on into a deeper and deeper spiral. And this is exactly how sin works. It never gets less hurtful but must be stopped and rooted out!
Notice that Jesus does not interfere. He won't force us to do right. He is willing and ready to forgive and help us, but we have a free will just as Herod did.
Psalm 107:33-34
In this section, the psalmist remembers how God dealt with His people Israel. When they were disobedient and rebellious, their lands turned to desert, but when they repented, He blessed them, fed them, and increased their numbers. God is a perfect Father who is quick to show us favor and generosity and blessing, but He is also all-wise to know when we need discipline! "Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the Lord." v. 43
For our meditation: "Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the Lord." Psalm 107:43
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