668 Herodias Nursed a Grudge Against John, A Guided Christian Meditation on Mark 6:17-19 with the Recenter With Christ app

The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in your life and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ.
Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.
Get into a place where you can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tensing or unrelaxing. If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.

Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:
Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate.
Scripture for Meditation

Mark 6

NIV

17 For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to,

NABRE

17 Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. 18 John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so.

Meditation on Scripture:

John the Baptist had gained a large following and he spoke the words of God. He prophesied about the coming of Jesus. In the womb he provided a visceral testimony of the nature of Jesus as the Son of God. John’s whole ministry was to set the stage for the coming of the Messiah. He knew the law, which forbade Herod from taking his brother’s wife after his own divorce. With that said, John did not say these things as a personal aggression against Herod or his wife Herodias. It was a condemnation of God. Herod was held by Rome to be the leader of Judea. John knew the influence this leader could have for good or bad.

King Herod’s relationship with Rome had challenging implications. He was powerful as to the things of the world, but many of the Jews saw him as a traitor, someone who was after personal gain by siding with the enemies of God. He did not remain faithful to the word of the Lord. Eventually he executed John the Baptist based on this condemnation but it bothered him. The people feared John, and it is hard to know what exactly Herod thought about John but the way scripture paints it the grudge that Herod’s wife had was the primary drive that resulted in John’s death. I find it interested the way it says Herodias nursed a grudge. Grudges can be so terribly destructive. To hold a grudge is in opposition to the life Jesus preached. We are meant to hate sin, to move toward what God would have of our lives, but not to nurture personal grievances. How would John’s life have been different without this grudge? Scholars believe that him seeking a new wife was related to the defeat of Herod. In this way John’s condemnation was adjudicated by an indirect means. The reality is when we think we get away with things in our heart we don't.

How would the world be without grudges? How would our lives be different without grudges? As you have reflected on the grudge played out in this scripture, remember the temptation we all have to self vindication. The Lord says vengeance is His. Our role should be to seek the will of the Lord, not to seek the destruction of those who offend us. Just as Herods word would have been better without this nursed grudge, so too would each of our lives. Attempt to let go of any ill will you may harbor for others.

Meditation of Prayer:

Pray as directed by the Spirit.
Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him.
Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm:
I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials.
Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life:

This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast
Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind?

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