An Invitation to Contrition: Rebekah Beck

“King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.
But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. For when Herodias’s daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.” Mark 6:14-29

John the Baptist is beheaded because Herodias was offended by his interference with her sin. One translation of verse 19 tells us she nursed a grudge against John. She intentionally cared for her pain, letting it fester and grow until it resulted in violence. This passage gives us an alarming representation of what happens when our hearts become unaware of sin and hardened to correction. I have two points: 

(1) When we, as Christians, receive correction from those within our community of faith, it is imperative that we understand the rebuke flows from a heart of love and concern. Our leaders and brothers and sisters care deeply about our relationship with God, so far be it from us to presume superiority over the judgements of faithful people--people who are daily laying their lives down at the feet of Jesus. May we accept their words with humility and grace, avoiding the resentment of Herodias and whole-heartedly trusting that they want us to flourish. This is difficult but something we are called to do nonetheless. 

(2) If we lose the language of sin, we lose the beauty of salvation. The whole reason Jesus entered into human flesh was because of our inherent deficiency as fallen people to close the gap between ourselves and God. We must fully acknowledge the depth of our depravity in order to be fully overwhelmed by His love. An example I immediately think of is the woman who washed the feet of Jesus with her tears then dried them with her hair. She loved much, but she was willing to lay it all down, and so was forgiven of everything. Herodias was unwilling to release the grip on what she thought was good for her, and we see the consequences of that. The woman who wept recognized her neediness and subsequently recognized that Jesus was the only one who could fulfill those needs. Not only is He capable, but He is ready and willing to bring us out of darkness and into light. A broken and contrite heart He will not despise. He resists the proud but showers grace on the humble. Brothers and sisters, let us weep, because we have wounded the heart of God through our sin. We have trampled on the gracious gift of His Son by attempting to command our own destinies. With this understanding, let us also remember His unending mercy. He is with us when we feel like saints and remains just as close when we have made our bed in Hell. 

As we come to the communion table, we get to remember the totality of the Gospel. That Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I gladly admit that I am the worst. And though I was an enemy of God, He still thought I was worth saving. It is in this mystery that I rejoice. Amen. 

Bekah Beck, a senior now, has been a faithful member of the Wesley during her time here at Tech and we are so thankful to be blessed by her presence in our community. Among other things, she serves God’s people here by leading us in weekly worship, leading a small group, and loving us as Christ does.