23 Jun Speaking Truth and Life (Mk 6:20) by Pastor Don Bird
Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. ~ Mk 6:20
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Reflection: Saint John the Baptist is like the crazy uncle in the family tree – unconventional in his lifestyle (wearing camel’s hair, eating locusts, etc.), lacking diplomacy (calling a spade and spade), and strangely charismatic (people wanted to be around him). John spoke directly to the injustices that presented themselves in his world, whether it be the misdeeds of the religious elite or the marital habits of the authorities in government (Herod’s marriage to Herodias). Injustices to which many in his world had turned a blind eye. John’s courage came from his knowledge that his life was preparing the way for the coming Messiah – the One who would reveal the Kingdom of God! While John’s courage certainly inspires me in my own faith and prompts me to speak to the injustice of abortion and the lasting affects it has on families and society, I am more struck with Herod’s role in John’s death. Even though Herod’s wife, Herodias, wanted John dead, Herod had an affinity for John. He protected John by placing him in prison and visiting him often. He knew he was a holy man and that he spoke to a truth that was beyond his own understanding. Yet, Herod, a very powerful man, displayed incredible weakness. To protect his own image, to feed his own ego, to ensure that people would continue to like him…he knowingly allowed for an injustice to be perpetrated in his name. I wonder how many times I have done the same? As those who follow Christ, we are Christ-bearers in the world. When we advocate for the life of the unborn, when we love the mothers who are considering an abortion and those who live with the decision, when we work toward strengthening the life-fabric in our society and world – we do it with the strength that Christ offers and we do it in His name. When we are tempted to forego the conflicts or become fearful of what others may think, may we stay the course and adhere to the mission God has set before us to speak truth and life into the dark and dying corners of our world.
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Challenge: Understand that your decision to protect life may make you unpopular. Prepare yourself now for the next opportunity to speak truth and life into the dark and dying corners of our world.
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Pray LIFE Runners Creed to end abortion.
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Inspiration: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” ~ Edmund Burke
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All In Christ for Pro-Life,
Pastor Don
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* Pastor Don Bird is the Lead Pastor at Hope United Methodist Church in Greenwood Village, CO.