Mark 6:14-29 – Brutal Death

Read Mark 6:14-29

We haven’t heard much about John the Baptist’s ministry since our first reading in Mark. The account of John’s death would have made an impact on many people. You’ll recall John had been the one God chose to announce Jesus’ coming into the world. John’s ministry encouraged his fellow Jews to repent, turn from their sins, and be baptized.

Herod Antipas was the Jewish king of the land in those days, and we learn here that he respected John as a holy man. Can you imagine the anguish he felt when he had to order John’s death? Never in a million years had he thought his daughter would ask for such a thing as the appreciation gift for her dance. What a barbaric request! Continue reading “Mark 6:14-29 – Brutal Death”

Psalm 15:1-5 – Living a Blameless Life

Read Psalm 15:1-5

God knows we will all fall short, yet we strive to attain the goals we set out for ourselves. If we limit our goals, we might miss out on what God has in mind for us. The psalmist, David, wants to achieve his goal of being in the presence of God. He asks and answers the question “Who is good enough to worship and enter into God’s presence?”

What exactly is the blameless life God hopes we live? Is there any chance we can pull it off? What sorts of things do we need to change to reach these standards? I like Google’s AI definition of a blameless life. “A blameless life is a life characterized by integrity, innocence, and a lack of wrongdoing, where actions and words are consistent, free from guilt and deceit, and aligned with God’s will.” The psalmist gives us some specifics. Continue reading “Psalm 15:1-5 – Living a Blameless Life”

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