GOD IS IN CONTROL - Matthew 14:1-12

GOD IS IN CONTROL - Matthew 14:1-12
What Does it Say?  John the Baptist had told Herod that he should not have his brothers wife.  He wanted to kill John, but did not because the people  thought he was a prophet.  When he had his birthday party, his niece danced at the party and Herod promised her by oath in front of his guests that he would give her whatever she wanted up to half the kingdom.  Her mother told her to ask for John's head on a platter.  John was beheaded and his head brought to the girl.
What Does it Mean?  John had confronted Herod on his sin of taking his brother's wife.  Herod didn't like it, but he didn't want the hassle of the people rebelling.  He threw John in jail instead.  He was convicted of his sin, but not enough to repent.  Then he made an oath to give his wife's daughter up to half his kingdom for dancing at a party.  He was the king, if he really didn't want to follow through on his oath, he could have found a way around it.  He followed through and had John beheaded.  Now if his conscience bothered him for having John beheaded, he could blame the girl and her mother.  It doesn't matter what excuse he used, Herod would never have been able to kill John if God didn't allow it.  God is still in control even when we think things are out of control.  John was right with God and he was ready to die.  God will reward him in heaven for the work he did on earth in preparing the way for Jesus.  God's plan is not our plan.  We need to be OK with his plan even if it hurts.  Death is not something we need to be afraid of, it just means our work is done.  God was there with John comforting and encouraging him to get through the tough times and He is with us too.  When you are going through tough times, take your pain to Jesus.  If you have done all you can and nothing changes, you need to be OK with it.  Ask God to help you accept it, use the pain to motivate you to get close to Him, and experience God's faithfulness firsthand.