John also publicly criticized Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, for marrying Herodias, his brother's wife, and for many other wrongs he had done. So Herod put John in prison, adding this sin to his many others.
—Luke 3:19-20 NLT
I've heard it said that our true character is revealed in what we do and who we are when no one is looking. For most of us, that statement is probably true. However, there is another test of truth and truth-telling. Will we tell the truth to everyone, even those who have power over us and who don't want us to tell it? One of the stark reminders of Satan's reality in the world is the long line of martyrs for the cause of Jesus and the Kingdom. With Jesus himself at the head of that line, the line includes John, [1] who tells the truth to powerful King Herod just as John has done with common and powerless people. John demonstrates integrity and courage to us. Thankfully, in our long story of faith, many others have followed John's example. May God give us the grace to do the same if we are tempted not to tell the truth.
[1] Luke 9:9.
Holy and righteous God, please give me the courage and strength to speak your truth regardless of the situation that confronts me. Help me to speak the truth in love but also to speak the truth with conviction and clarity. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Luke 3:19-20 NLT
Key Thought
I've heard it said that our true character is revealed in what we do and who we are when no one is looking. For most of us, that statement is probably true. However, there is another test of truth and truth-telling. Will we tell the truth to everyone, even those who have power over us and who don't want us to tell it? One of the stark reminders of Satan's reality in the world is the long line of martyrs for the cause of Jesus and the Kingdom. With Jesus himself at the head of that line, the line includes John, [1] who tells the truth to powerful King Herod just as John has done with common and powerless people. John demonstrates integrity and courage to us. Thankfully, in our long story of faith, many others have followed John's example. May God give us the grace to do the same if we are tempted not to tell the truth.
[1] Luke 9:9.
Today's Prayer
Holy and righteous God, please give me the courage and strength to speak your truth regardless of the situation that confronts me. Help me to speak the truth in love but also to speak the truth with conviction and clarity. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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