A couple of weeks ago whilst we were visiting my son and daughter-in-law, my husband took the opportunity to get his camera out and take some photos of the new family. Bill, who had been quietly wandering around, was not happy and started barking at the camera, trying to chase it away. (Apparently the hoover causes a similar reaction!)
How do we react when something new and unexpected appears in front of us? Are we suspicious and try to “chase it away?”
The bible reading set for today is the grisly tale of John the Baptist’s beheading. King Herod was suspicious and paranoid of John the Baptist who had been speaking against Herod’s relationship with his brother Philip’s wife. He wanted to get rid of John, to kill him in fact, but was afraid of the public reaction as John was seen, by the people, as a prophet. As a birthday “treat” Herodias’ daughter danced for Herod and so pleased him that he promised to grant her wish. Goaded by her mother she asked for John the Baptist’s head on a plate, and Herod had to grant her this wish so as not to lose face in front of his guests.
Herod gave in to his guests in order to avoid embarrassment. He wanted to appear strong. He wanted this imposter out of the way after all.
How easy it is to give in to pressure to do wrong, or simply not to stand up against injustice, just to “save face.” How easy it is to simply stick to what we know, what is comfortable, to not allow new things in.
God wants us to stand up against injustice even when it is embarrassing or painful. He wants us to grow in faith, even taking the risk of trying something new.
Even Bill has welcomed the new member of the family, (even if he is still suspicious of cameras and hoovers!)