Almost

King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well-known. Some were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him."... Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.
(Mark 6:14, 20)

In the Gospel of Mark, John the Baptist is killed immediately after Jesus sends out his disciples. We read also that Jesus’ name had become well-known by this time. The disciples go out and the miracles and deliverances performed through them make Jesus’ name, not their names, well-known. So if my service to the Lord is right, if it is a service through the Holy Spirit, the result is a popularity of Jesus’ name and not mine.

Jesus’ name becomes well-known and what follows? The result is a revelation of the truth; light is shed on old, formerly well concealed happenings. When referring to the death (the killing) of John, the Gospel describes an event that was completed some time ago. This event is just one small moment in the high life led by Herod, but the Holy Spirit reveals it. Only the Spirit can make us see the reality of things. Only He can make us really understand, really know anything about what is happening around us.

If the Holy Spirit lives within me, I will discover the crimes I have committed. I will understand my actions and the motivation behind them. Herod talks of John as being a righteous and holy man. But he does not follow his example. He realizes that John is a righteous man, but he does not act righteously himself. The difference between such an attitude and killing the man he calls righteous is very slight. There is little difference between Herod and the disciples of Jesus: Herod gives up almost everything, the disciples give up absolutely everything. Still Herod’s tragedy is caused by this slight difference called almost.

[GEN, (c)2004]