Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelations 2:10)

When I was in church camp, one of the favorite bible stories for Bible drama night was the story of the beheading of John the Baptist. Perhaps it was the loyalty and commitment to God that the story demonstrated, but far more likely, it was the opportunity to do a story with a gruesome ending.

John’s life did have a gruesome, sad ending. After years of faithfulness and righteousness, acknowledged even by Herod, his murderer, John was actually beheaded at the whim of a child based on the urging of an evil mother—a woman who wanted to keep John from continually harassing Herod by pointing out his sins. She thought that she could silence him forever. But it didn’t work. True, Herodias was able to have John killed, but Herod obviously still heard his voice. It haunted him day in and day out, and when the king heard of Jesus and His teachings, he feared that John had returned from the dead.

John’s teachings and presence are still very much felt in today’s world. The calling on humanity to “prepare…the way for the Messiah” is still an important message that we, as regenerated Christians, are called on to share with our brothers and sisters. It is highly unlikely that any of us will suffer being beheaded for our message as John was, but one thing is for certain. The message we share with others will live on long after we have gone home, just as John’s message is alive and vibrant today.

So how is your world stacking up? Are you committed to sharing that message of good news, or have the concerns and cares of the world clouded your vision? Are the earthly, temporal things of life keeping you from being totally committed to a message of hope that will live long after you are gone?

God of righteousness, give us the strength and commitment that John had in bringing Your message to those we love!