“But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.” — Matthew 14:6 - 8 KJV
An oath is a sworn statement. It’s so powerful that when it traps a person, he has no way out. Some people know this, so they are careful when uttering words to people. But some don’t know, so they keep saying it.
When you honour your oath, you build trust with the people involved. But when you get trapped by your words, you become helpless because you focus on redeeming your promise and pleasing people. That was what Herod was ignorant of.
On his birthday, his wife’s daughter danced before him and his guests so well that he was highly pleased. The girl was innocently trying to please her father. But upon receiving an oath from his dad, she went to her mother to seek what she wanted. Then, it came out that she wanted John the Baptist’s head (Matthew 14:8).
Herodias had the spirit of Jezebel. It’s that spirit that seeks to murder servants of God for one’s own benefit. She wanted to remain queen since her first husband, the brother of Herod, was dead. One mistake of Herod cost the life of an innocent servant of God.
Like what happened to Herod, be careful of making oaths in happy moments, especially in the midst of secular people. You might fall into a trap with your own words. Take heed.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray that You’ll help me to guard my mouth in my happy moments, lest I speak words which may affect me for some time. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2023 – 006
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