Hard to Tell?

Mark 6:16-18 But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, the man I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!” 17 For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” 
 
TELLING, preaching and teaching the truth is a very difficult and heavy burden. John, the Herald of the Christ, is dead because he told the truth to Herod. Herod’s sin mocked God’s law, and it seems sin won that battle.
   When you read Israel’s history does it appear the devil has won too many battles against God’s prophets? Jesus accused the Jews’ tragic history: Matthew 23:29 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. 30 And you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ 31 So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets.” And then they killed Jesus. They couldn’t submit to his truth.
    Evil seems to winning the race for mankind’s soul. Do you wonder, “Why would God permit sinners to kill salvation messengers?” This causes us to hesitate to be Jesus’ messenger, doesn’t it? We know people will want to “kill” us with their mockery, ostracism, indifference and hatred. Some of you may know physical threats because you tell the gospel’s truth. John was doing God’s will. Why did John, and why do so many other faithful witnesses have to die?
   It’s good to know that many “Why God?” questions points to this answer: God does everything for your good and for his glory.
    No, John didn’t end up “good” from our perspective, but he ended up “good” in Jesus’ view. Matthew 11:11a “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist…14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.”
   With high praise and complete affirmation, Jesus testified that John fulfilled God’s plan for his life and for God’s kingdom. That means John was a vital point in your salvation! John told the truth, and today he’s in heaven’s glory. John is certainly “good” in the Lord.
   In contrast, Herod isn’t “good”. He won the battle, but he has lost the war for his soul. Tragically, Herod is in hell. It is to God’s glory that sin is eternally punished and the salvation messenger is eternally saved.
   Do you need help to be a gospel prophet? Then remember this: the truth is God’s gift for your eternal life. God’s will is that you offer the gift to others. When many reject the gift, you may think you’re losing the war. But you’re not. God has given you a kingdom purpose. You will aid in winning the war. Know you will be good in God’s goodness forever.