I’m struck with this thought as I read the familiar story in Mark of John the Baptist ministry of “paving the way for the One who comes after me” coming to horrible end.

Mark 6, The Message

17-20 Herod was the one who had ordered the arrest of John, put him in chains, and sent him to prison at the nagging of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. For John had provoked Herod by naming his relationship with Herodias “adultery.” Herodias, smoldering with hate, wanted to kill him, but didn’t dare because Herod was in awe of John. Convinced that he was a holy man, he gave him special treatment. Whenever he listened to him he was miserable with guilt—and yet he couldn’t stay away. Something in John kept pulling him back.

“Something in John kept pulling him back.” That “something” is SOMEONE who was living in John. That Someone was Herod’s Creator. That Someone was the only One who could satisfy the longing of his heart, mind and soul.

The question we must stop and ask ourselves daily is am I allowing Christ who lives in me to have full reign of my heart, mind and soul so that others are drawn, not to me, but to Jesus the Christ living in me? Is there something in us that keeps pulling them back?

Dear Heavenly Father, There must be less of me and more of you in me. Forgive me when I go ahead of You, speak too soon or not enough, or fall behind. Lead us on, in Your Name, for Your Glory. May others be drawn to You. Help us be aware of those moments in time when someone is being pulled into Your love, grace and mercy. Give us boldness and courage to point the way. We pray for those who are being tortured and beheaded today because of their faith in You. I know You are with them…even into Glory. We pray for their families to remain strong and focused on You. We pray for our enemies to lay the sword down.
In Jesus Name, Amen