The Death of John the Baptist

Whoever is committed to Jesus like John the Baptist in today’s gospel is at some point in time going to experienced some form of persecution or harassment for their beliefs? There is a saying that Jesus came not just to comfort the troubled, but to trouble the comfortable as well.

In practice, you may be called “too religious” because of your beliefs or lifestyle. When you seek to share the Gospel, you may be made fun off or accused of imposing your beliefs. That, however, has and will always be the experience of God’s servants. Faithfulness to the Lord Jesus can be costly.

But despite the humiliation and pain, the promise that we can hold onto which John the Baptist held onto – is that God is always with us and He will strengthen us. He suffers with those who suffer, and He offers endless depths of consolation and encouragement. But our greatest assurance is that He will continue to strengthen us for whatever struggles lie ahead. If John the Baptist could handle months in prison and even martyrdom, we too can handle whatever is given to us – not by our might or natural endurance, but by hiding ourselves in the presence of God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, hear our prayer for all Christians throughout the world who are facing persecution and hostility. Raise up men and women who, like John the Baptist, can be the image of Jesus. Lord, be their strength and comfort! Humble our hearts so that our lives too will magnify Your Son, Jesus. Amen.