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Prepare: ‘The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple’ (Psalm 119:130, NIV).
Caught out
Like a sudden sword thrust, or the spark that sets a forest ablaze, Herod is caught out by the swiftness of his rash words and their effect (v 22; compare Proverbs 12:18; James 3:5). He had protected John in the past (v 20), but the wife he should never have taken manipulates his lack of self-control for her own ends (vs 19,21,24).
John’s tongue, on the other hand, had spoken truth (vs 17,18). Here was a prophet who stood up against a king, fearlessly facing a corrupt ruler, not backing down even when thrown into prison.
Words matter
You may not wear camel’s hair or a crown, but which man do you more closely resemble in your speech, John or Herod? Does your tongue frequently run away with you, steering you into trouble (James 3:4)? Or do you speak truthfully, no matter what the personal cost?
Jesus said, ‘out of the overflow of his heart [the] mouth speaks’ (Luke 6:45, NIV). In other words, my speech displays what’s going on in my heart. Words matter in and of themselves, but they have a further significance: they reveal our heart attitudes and how closely (or not) we align with the character of Jesus.
Respond: Ask God to forgive you for any rash, unkind or unwise words you have spoken recently. Spend some time waiting on God, asking him to shape your heart so that your attitudes become more and more like those of Jesus.
http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-06-23
Caught out
Like a sudden sword thrust, or the spark that sets a forest ablaze, Herod is caught out by the swiftness of his rash words and their effect (v 22; compare Proverbs 12:18; James 3:5). He had protected John in the past (v 20), but the wife he should never have taken manipulates his lack of self-control for her own ends (vs 19,21,24).
John’s tongue, on the other hand, had spoken truth (vs 17,18). Here was a prophet who stood up against a king, fearlessly facing a corrupt ruler, not backing down even when thrown into prison.
Words matter
You may not wear camel’s hair or a crown, but which man do you more closely resemble in your speech, John or Herod? Does your tongue frequently run away with you, steering you into trouble (James 3:4)? Or do you speak truthfully, no matter what the personal cost?
Jesus said, ‘out of the overflow of his heart [the] mouth speaks’ (Luke 6:45, NIV). In other words, my speech displays what’s going on in my heart. Words matter in and of themselves, but they have a further significance: they reveal our heart attitudes and how closely (or not) we align with the character of Jesus.
Respond: Ask God to forgive you for any rash, unkind or unwise words you have spoken recently. Spend some time waiting on God, asking him to shape your heart so that your attitudes become more and more like those of Jesus.
http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-06-23
Scripture
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WordLive provides a daily slice of Bible reading and commentary that, over four years, covers most of the Bible. The commentary encourages the reader to engage with the Bible passage in order to deepen their relationship with God, through reflection and practical application. The WordLive website offers further multimedia content and group Bible study, while registration offers a daily email, journal and bookmarking, and community tools.
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