The Holy Spirit warned that Herodias would not be able to kill John the Baptist because the king feared the servant of the Lord. Herod should have nurtured this feeling for God and not for His servant. However, the monarch's heart was closed to the revelation that John brought him. Herod disregarded the fact that the soul which rejected Christ's redemptive work would perish in Hell.

The cunning king had succeeded his father, Herod the Great, who had ordered the killing of the children of Bethlehem and the surrounding region because he feared that the newborn King of the Jews would endanger his reign (Matthew 2:16). Herod's appreciation for John did not help the prophet, since Herod preferred to continue in the error that would lead him to the lake of eternal fire.

Many people understand God's plan for their lives, but do not convert to Christ. Some act this way because they do not believe in the Bible, even though it is the Holy Book. The coming of Jesus was foretold by several prophets, who even mentioned the place where He would be born (Micah 5:2). For me, who have been preaching the Word for over 50 years, the salvation of some and the perdition of others is a mystery. Mercy!

Herod was evil and had John arrested. However, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, he kept him safe. The king went to the servant of God to listen to him and showed him respect. John did not care what might happen to him, for the main purpose of his life was to have the Lord's attention. Many will despair when they see the Savior descending from Heaven with great noise and the clamor of war to put an end to the madness of the world.

The king used to grant John whatever he asked, but he despised his teachings on eternal life, even though he was willing to listen to him. Some people show interest in this subject, even asking questions, but they disregard the main part: surrendering to Christ. They will be lost forever if they die without genuine conversion.

We have no time to lose! If someone we love dies without Jesus, they will suffer the same fate as the worst criminal in the world: Hell. How many times have we tried to lead someone to salvation, but unfortunately, they resisted and entered eternity without being born again? In this state, they will never see the Light but will remain in endless darkness. The Bible says: “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36.

It is good to be treated well by everyone, but it is better to succeed in bringing the lost to the Kingdom of God; otherwise, they will never attain the redemption brought by Christ. Devote your time to preaching the Gospel—the Good News of salvation—to your family, friends, and acquaintances. The Savior Himself commanded: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15. Fulfill this mission!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares