Mark 6:21-29

“Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’ The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her.” vss. 25-26

According to Mark, Herod was fascinated by John and likely knew him to be a man of integrity, someone who spoke the truth no matter what the circumstances. Yet when crunch time came, Herod chose expediency over all else. He foolishly kept a silly oath to a dancer who pleased him, and killed a prophet of God! Of course Herod wasn’t the first politician to sacrifice integrity to curry favor with a beautiful woman and he certainly wasn’t the last. Power has enormous corrupting influence and even decent folks who enter the political fray can surprise us with their willing acceptance of lying as an accepted form of behavior. When confronted with their lies some simply shrug their shoulders and say, “That’s just how politics is.” And what’s even more disturbing is that so many adopt a pious veneer to obscure their underhandedness. So is it possible to ever trust those who become political leaders? Of course! Politicians are no different than we are! We’re all broken and in need of healing. And when political leaders repent and receive healing forgiveness, their deeds of power can turn into amazing acts of service!

Thought for the Day: Who are some political leaders with integrity?