Herod's Grim Gift

The Spirit & Power of Elijah - Message 12 - Herod's Grim Gift. Herod thought that Jesus was Elijah, or worse yet, John the Baptist raised from the dead. He was so haunted by the preaching of John that even after he had him beheaded he was afraid that he would be raised from the dead and torment him with the truth about his sin! Herod feared John and would not raise a hand against him, even protecting him because he knew that John was just and holy, but his niece/wife Herodias hated John and very much wanted him dead. Knowing Herod's weakness she had her daughter Salome come and dance for her step father at his birthday celebration. She seductively paraded herself before Herod and his guests. Herod catered to his lust and in a moment of boisterous arrogance he offered to give her whatever she asked of him. She consulted with her mother and returned to call Herod on his oath. She wanted the head of John the Baptist on a platter! Herod was sorry, but he did not repent. He gave in to her request and John was immediately murdered in prison and his head was given to Salome and her mother. Of the many lessons we can learn from this passage we see that the preaching of God's Word is not easily forgotten. It is the preaching of God's Word that He has ordained to Convict sinners, Convert the lost, Cleanse His saints, and Cultivate His church. No wonder the Serpent started in the Garden by saying to Eve, "Has God really said?"