PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 6:14-20
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Herod said, ‘John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!’” (Mark 6:14-16)
I have found through experience that a guilty conscience agitates the mind.
You become paranoid that others may know or find out.
Herod is flustered; he thought he had silenced guilt by killing John.
The Spirit of God is speaking to his conscience, setting him on edge.
The conscience is God’s Voice in our heart and mind, calling us back to Him.
But do we listen to His Voice in our conscience, and respond appropriately?
Paul speaks about consciences seared with a hot iron (1 Timothy 4:2).
These are people who have cauterized their conscience into insensitivity.
They ignore the warnings of guilt, and they refuse God’s call to return.
No matter how many signs, warnings or blessings God sends, they reject them.
As Jesus followers, we have heard and responded to God’s Voice in our heart.
This does not make us sinless but MORE aware of our guilt and shame.
Our conscience is a gift, and we ignore it to our own peril.
Is the Lord ‘haunting’ you about something, and if so, how are you responding?
PRAYER
Lord, your presence is only scary if I have something to hide. Help me not to silence your Voice in my conscience, but to seek it and respond wisely!
Herod had John the Baptist beheaded – to fulfill a vow he had made to his daughter – his pride and show of power made him do a gruesome thing that he knew was wrong. His deed continued to torment him. I too must seek confession when I am in the wrong and my conscience tells me. I need to act – and not simply ignore it! It will haunt me until I do! Thanks be to God for that. I need to come clean!
Knowing and doing. They go hand in hand.
To know what is right also means to do what is right. There is no other choice.
When one hears gladly the good news one also needs o follow through and act upon that good news. Listen to the voice within which continues to say, ‘This is the way. Walk in it.’ God still speaks this day. Listen and obey for there is no other life giving way.
O weary heart, why seek in vain
The balm of rest from earth to gain,
While Jesus waits, your King to reign,
And all your sins forgive!
Refrain
Awake, arise! no more delay;
He calls you now—His voice obey!
The loving words He speaks today,
Oh hear, and you shall live!
He calls again; on Him believe,
His gift of grace thro’ faith receive;
Your truest Friend no longer grieve,
But haste your heart to give.
Refrain
To Jesus come, and at His feet
That precious Name with praise repeat;
Oh, trust Him now, and learn how sweet
The peace His love will give.