- Psalmody: Psalm 1
- Lection: Hebrews 11:36–39a; Mark 6:17–29
In the Name of the Father and of the ✠ Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Only by coincidence do we begin on a feast day what is hopefully the first of many Saturdays like this. In modern LSB language, today is The Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, but in olden times, it was referred to by the specifics of that martyrdom, that is, by the means. It was called The Decollation of St. John the Baptist. Decollation, a now-uncommon word that can likely be understood by context and the familiarity of Herodias’ specific demand for John’s execution, but nevertheless the word may cause you, like it did me, to seek out a dictionary to see what it means. Decollation is decapitation. We heard from St. Mark what led to the prophet’s tragic death and we understand by his decollation as the forerunner of the Messiah how his cousin, Jesus the Christ, our living Head would be stricken, smitten, and afflicted for our sake and for the sake of His words of truth to a world rejecting them; a spiteful rejection that led also to His gruesome death. Yet, it is written, “rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”
As we examine and compare St. John the Baptist and King Herod for our example and learning, we see first the captive prophet, imprisoned for standing firm on the Word of God, in particularly the sixth commandment, even in the face of high political, worldly authority. Like John, we ought to obey God rather than men. And when we do, we must realize the cost of gaining and possessing such priceless a treasure as godliness. John was innocent in this regard and with him, like with most innocent victims in the Scriptures, in real life, and even in great works of literature, we like to sympathize, relate, and associate ourselves with them, to be the ones in the right and unrightfully wronged, to assert that we never deserve any of the punishment that we receive, for it is good when we suffer for doing what is right, when children refuse to go along with friends in telling or laughing at dirty jokes, or refuse to join in disrespectful talk about parents or peers. Children, when you suffer in order to maintain your innocence in these ways, fear not how the world responds or turns on you. You are doing a good work that is pleasing in the sight of your Father in heaven. Parents, be strong and of good courage in proclaiming the truth to your children even amidst their grumbling and immaturity. You have been given to them as the ones to lead them through and out of such times, so lead your homes on the righteous path regardless of how strong the swift current of an ungodly generation grows against it. Lead, even at the cost of death; especially at the cost of death of your sinful flesh. Families are worth even the ultimate price. Dear Christians, one and all rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings for seeing to these things, for you shall be glad with exceeding joy, the true joy that the world promises but never delivers on.
Yes, sympathize with John, see that the world shall respond with anger and hostility when your godliness threatens its love of sin, but stand firm and intend to do as we rightly vow to; to live according to the Word of God, and in faith, word, and deed to remain true to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, even unto death. We know not for certain, but we hope that St. John faced his death boldly rather than fearing what man could do to him. May we ever stand boldly in suffering, even if it is unto physical death. Yet we also consider the death that King Herod refused to courageously face. He refused to die daily. He refused to admit His wrong and to turn away from it. John’s message was repent, it was put to death the old Adam, it was drown all sin and evil desires, it was aim to do better, so that the new Adam may daily emerge and arise to live in righteousness and purity in the forgiveness of sins. When we live so close to other human beings, to other sinners, namely our siblings, our parents, our children, our spouses, our friends, our neighbors, our pastors, and fellow church members, true love is God’s truth. It’s in it being spoken in honest concern when His law has been broken. There is great danger in sin, so let us be concerned for one another in Christian love. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
In dealing with Herod, John was likely as gentle as he could be considering how the king would hear him gladly. Yet, the king didn’t die. He didn’t drown the old Adam in repentance but continued in sin with his brother’s wife and allowed more sin to crouch at the door. The more we put off repentance of sin, the more stiff-necked, stubborn, and proud we grow, and the harder repentance becomes, because the flesh is only emboldened and strengthened when the godly conscience is silenced or ignored. The godly innocent confess that they are not always innocent. Therefore, redeemed in Christ, form good, quick habits of confessing wrongs to one another, of realizing how easy it is for all of us to sin, to be hot-tempered, rude, or quarrelsome, to hurt someone by our words or deeds, and pray for wisdom and courage to turn away from sin when either your father’s, mother’s, son’s, daughter’s, husband’s, wife’s, or pastor’s words come to correct and restore you.
The Lord is merciful and faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Escape unto righteousness may come through suffering, the good suffering of the flesh being put to death. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, for even Herod was given the opportunity to turn away from the temptation to murder John. He had foolishly given a vow, said in the presence of his friends that he would do whatever Herodias’ daughter requested. When John’s head was demanded, merely to save face, Herod kept his vow when he should’ve broken it. If our foolish mouths get our rearends in trouble by doing or binding us to unrighteousness, then we are to humble ourselves, cast off our pride, forget our vow, forget our words, and instead do what is good even at the cost of embarrassment.
Yes, repentance often brings suffering for righteousness’ sake, so know that not all your suffering is in innocence. There is no purely innocent one among us sinners. Purifying fire from the Lord’s hand thus refines us and proves the genuineness of our faith, a faith given for the sake of the one to Whom John points us, and it is neither himself nor King Herod. It is Jesus, the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. All of this Man’s suffering was innocent so that whether you suffer unjustly or in rightful, temporary consequence for your wrong, you may humble yourself by faith in Him and rejoice, for when His glory is revealed in your repentance, in His forgiveness, and finally, in His return upon the clouds, you shall be glad with exceeding joy.
In ✠ Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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