READING: Genesis 42:27-44:34, Matthew 13:44-14:12
The story started in such a fantastic way. An angel announced to Zechariah that he and his wife, Elizabeth, would be having a son named John—and he would be the forerunner of the Messiah. From the womb, John recognized Jesus, and he spent his ministry pointing to Him. His message was apparently potent, evidenced by the crowds that gathered around him in the wilderness, heard his message, and responded in repentance and baptism. In today’s world, he might well have been the focal point of press releases and the invited speaker on major platforms.
But, today’s reading reminds us that John’s standing up for truth eventually cost him his freedom and then his life: “So he [the king] sent orders and had John beheaded in the prison” (Matt. 14:10). His supernatural birth and powerful ministry were not a protection against a martyr’s death; in fact, they set him up for an early death. Following God meant following Him all the way into eternity.
We don’t know when we start following God how our lives will end. What we can know, though, is all that we must know: God will be with us in our freedom and our imprisonment, in our victories and defeats, and in our life and death. Disciples of Jesus trust His presence and follow Him.
Prayer: “God, I want to trust You regardless of what my faith costs me. I love You.”
Tomorrow’s reading: Genesis 45-46, Matthew 14:13-36
