Be Careful What You Ask For

Herod’s niece was not careful in what she asked for (Mark 6:14-29 ESV).  She asked for the head of John the Baptist.  John had pointed out the truth: Herod was committing adultery with his sister-in-law.  Now the sister-in-law and her daughter were going to get John.

But, when the evil deed had been done, something amazing happened.  Jesus and His disciples began an evangelical campaign in the whole region.  Herod concluded, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised [from the dead]."  Herod knew that John was a man from God, and Herod desired to meet Jesus. But, still, there is no mention in Scripture of Herod repenting of his sins.  Had he done so, he would have been saved.  Herod apparently got what he asked for, what he deserved…

We also deserve eternal death.  We are sinners separated from God. Through faith in Jesus Christ and in Him (Ephesians 1:7), “We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”  We deserve justice and eternal punishment, but we get mercy and eternal life.  That is amazing grace.  That is God’s love poured out on us in Jesus Christ.

Now as members of the very body of Christ, we need to live as His people.  The old folk song says, 

Oh, be careful little heart what you love
For the Father up above,
Is looking down in love,
So be careful little heart,
What you love.

Be careful what you ask for.  Ask for God’s mercy.  Live in His love.  Amen.

Raymond Van Buskirk, Pastor, Redeemer Lutheran Church

Baytown, Texas         www.rlcbaytown.org                          7/12/2009