For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him, and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. Mark 6:20
There really isn’t much commendable to say about King Herod; he was living an immoral lifestyle, and he dabbled in drunkenness and all sorts of other sinful activity. But there is one good thing we can say about him: he recognized John Baptist for the godly man he was, and appreciated being able to converse with him. John didn’t go easy on Herod, either. He minced no words about the king’s immorality. And yet, Herod enjoyed being with John and spoke often with him. John’s faithfulness might well have resulted in Herod’s anger and in rough treatment. But it didn’t. At least, not until the birthday party, when a drunken Herod gave in to his sinful stupidity and had to execute John to keep his word to a dancer. Do you have any Herod’s in your life, people who are intrigued by your testimony for your Lord? Faithful Christians will always be noticed by somebody, and sometimes, they turn out to be more noble than Herod.
Herod was a shameful excuse for a man. Despite John’s warnings and faithful preaching, he failed to repent, and he failed to qualify for any response from the Lord Jesus. But sometimes the folks that notice your Christian character and witness will actually pay more attention and have a greater interest in wanting to have what our Salvation has given us. We can never tell, we can only be faithful. And we should also not be afraid – as John was not afraid – to speak plainly and directly about sin and judgment. We do nobody any favour by not warning them about the consequences of their sin against God. John no doubt prayed for Herod’s conversion. We should pray for those who God brings into our experience.
If we read other portions, we will discover that some of Herod’s palace employees were faithful followers of the Lord Jesus. It is logical to assume they first heard the truth from John. So, even though Herod was not saved, some of his people were. That means that John’s time in Herod’s jail was not wasted. You and I can never tell what impact we will have when we are brought into contact with others. Folks we witness to may never be saved, but some connection hears the Gospel and responds. Only God knows the impact of our faithfulness.
Don’t be surprised if you encounter a willingness to hear the Word of God in strange places. If Herod could gladly listen to John’s reprimands, somebody who encounters your godly example might also be drawn to the Gospel. -Jim MacIntosh