God's kingdom is near

While Jesus was still living in the hill country of Galilee, John the Baptist called for radical repentance in the desert landscape of Judea: “Return to God! For the kingdom of heaven is near.” (Mt 3,2)Many suspected that he was the man to whom the prophet Isaiah had pointed centuries before. John knew that he was preparing the way for the Messiah and said: “I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him. The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; and the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and listens to him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. This joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (Joh 3,28-30).

After John was thrown into prison, Jesus came to Galilee and preached the gospel of God. King Herod Antipas I heard of all this because at that time the name of Jesus was on everyone's lips. He was convinced: It is definitely Johannes, whom I had beheaded. Now he's back, alive. He himself had ordered John's arrest and imprisonment just to appease Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. John the Baptist publicly rebuked him for having entered into an illegal marriage with her. Herodias, who was now married to him, burned with hatred and wanted nothing more than to kill John, but she dared not because Herod had great respect for John. Eventually Herodias found one
An opportunity to achieve her goal. Herod gave a great banquet on his birthday, a lavish celebration for all the dignitaries, all the army commanders, and all the nobles from Galilee. Herodias sent her daughter Salome to the banquet hall for the occasion, hoping to win the king's favor with her dancing. Her smooth, seductive dance pleased Herod and those seated at his table, prompting him to make a boastful and rash promise: he would give her anything she desired—up to half his kingdom—and swore an oath to it. Salome asked her mother what she should ask for. The story ends with the gruesome image of the head of John the Baptist on a platter. (Mk 6,14-28).

If we take a closer look at the details of this story, we can see how trapped the characters of this event were. There's Herod, he's a vassal king in the Roman Empire trying to show off to his guests. His new stepdaughter Salome danced provocatively for her and he is enchanted by the lust. He is trapped - by his own inappropriate desires, by his haughty behavior in front of his guests, and by those in power who actually control him. He couldn't give up half his kingdom even if he wanted to!

Salome is caught up in her mother's political ambitions and bloodthirsty quest for power. She is trapped in her sexual desires, which she uses as a weapon. Caught by her drunk stepfather who uses her to entertain his guests.

This short, tragic story shows the realm of the people who are burned inside in a short time with pride, power, desire and intrigue. The gruesome final spectacle of the death of John the Baptist shows the brutal fruits of this world's declining empire.

In contrast to the kingdom of this world, Jesus preached the good news of the kingdom of God: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent, (turn to God) and believe the gospel!” (Mk 1,14).

Jesus chose twelve disciples and sent them out to proclaim the good news to the lost sheep of the house of Israel: “The kingdom of heaven has come near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” (Mt 10,7-8).

Like the twelve, Jesus sends us out to preach the gospel with joy and freedom. We share in His plan to gently introduce Jesus to our fellow human beings through the spirit of love, heeding God's Word and serving Him. The fulfillment of this task has its price. Let's be honest, there are times when we feel trapped in trouble because we're reaching for the empty illusions of this world and working against the God of love. But we are always encouraged to follow the example of John and Jesus to tirelessly preach the truth?

Whoever accepts and trusts the Son receives everything with him - a fulfilled life that knows no end. True freedom is found in submission to the true King, Jesus Christ, and not to the heralds of modern times or to the deception of self-rule and self-importance. May the Holy Spirit keep reminding you of the freedom you have in Jesus Christ.

from Greg Williams