Standing Up for God

Reading John 14:1–12; I was struck by the great contrast in Herod and John the baptist. Herod had John arrested for pointing out his sin but had not killed him (even though he wanted to kill him) because “he was afraid of the people, because they considered him a prophet.” However, after promising with an oath to give a guest at his party whatever she wanted, he was compelled to kill John because he did not want to be embarrassed in front of his “dinner guests.”

Herod was swayed by the crowd. He initially was swayed by the people to keep John alive but then, in different company (his dinner guests), he was moved to put John to death. Herod seems to be consumed with how other people see him, wanting to be liked, and a desire to make the people around him happy.

This stands in stark contrast to John the baptist. John stood alone preaching a radical message of repentance. Jesus describes him in John 11:7–9 as a man not “swayed by the wind” and a man not dressed in fine clothes. John was not swayed by the crowds but rather was “a prophet” who stood up for God and what was right!

This incredible contrast makes me wonder where my heart is today? Am I Herod? Do I want fine clothes, a palace, to be seen as a success, to be loved by the crowds? Or am I John the Baptist? Do I care little for impressing others as long as I stand up for God, please God, and can be used by God to accomplish His will?

Do I stand for what is popular, or what is right? Am I willing to stand alone for what is right and suffer or would I rather bask in the comfort and acceptance of the masses?

Today, I want to stand up for God and for what is right. I do not want my heart or actions to be swayed by the crowds. Today, I will not be Herod. Today, I will be John the Baptist.