2024_10_18 Insight Post- Robin Delaney
This week’s reading- Matthew 14:6-11, Mark 6:22-28
As both Kim and Rusty observed in this week’s previous posts about the death of John The Baptist, these passages are not for the squeamish. I can, though, appreciate that the Bible doesn’t sanitize accounts of horrific actions taken by the rich and famous. The level of dysfunction, abuse, and debauchery Herod, Herodias, and even their young daughter demonstrated stands in stark contrast to the life of righteousness of John The Baptist.
But to those present in the gathering, no one seems to raise an eyebrow at the horrific proceedings, probably because this type of behavior is somewhat normative in this culture. Thank God we have come so far from this type of behavior in our culture, right? Well, in many respects, yes, but the broken and fallen world we live in, as well as our sinful nature that influences us, still affects us. Substance abuse, major family dysfunction, sexual addiction, child abuse, murder, etc., is all still part of the human condition. We are indeed in need of a Savior.
I can’t help but think about Herod’s daughter, Salome, a pawn in the twisted plan of Herodias. Her tender youth was scarred for life by the events of this night. 11 His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. We don’t know how the rest of her life turned out, but we do know from modern research that trauma experienced at a young age can have a huge impact on adult life.(CDC) Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can have a significant impact on a child’s development and lead to long-term problems, including chronic health conditions, mental illness, including major depression and suicidality, substance misuse, and behavioral problems, such as anger management issues and delinquency. Some examples of ACEs include experiencing or witnessing violence or growing up in a household with substance use and mental health problems.(CDC) Sounds like Herod’s household!
Why didn’t John’s story turn out more like the case of Paul and Silas when they were in prison? (Acts 16:16-40) That would have read better than getting decapitated at the whim of intoxicated partiers. Still, ultimately, John fulfilled God’s purpose by playing a central role in the plan of salvation for all who believe and receive God’s forgiveness, grace, and love.
Robin Delaney
Director of Celebrate Recovery & Men’s Ministry
Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website – www.cdc.gov
Note: New Hope Church offers Support Ministries to help men, women, and students find freedom from the effects of ACEs, substance use disorder, and other life-dominating issues and family dysfunction. Resources can be found for Celebrate Recovery at newhope.org/cr and The Landing at newhope.org/thelanding.