Reformed Evangelical Synod of America

The drunken oath of a king with a shallow sense of honor, a seductive dance and the hateful heart of a queen combined to bring about the martyrdom of John the Baptist. The greatest of prophets suffered the fate of so many Old Testament prophets before him: rejection and martyrdom.

This great religious reformer was sent by God to prepare the people for the Messiah. His vocation was one of selfless giving. The only power that he claimed was the Spirit of Yahweh. “I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire”. Scripture tells us that many people followed John looking to him for hope, perhaps in anticipation of some great messianic power. John never allowed himself the false honor of receiving these people for his own glory. He knew his calling was one of preparation. When the time came, he led his disciples to Jesus. John’s life and death were a giving over of self for God and others. His simple style of life was one of complete detachment from earthly possessions. His heart was centered on God and his voice speaking to his heart. Confident of God’s grace, he had the courage to speak words of condemnation, repentance, and salvation.

COLLECT
Almighty God, you called your servant John the Baptist to be the forerunner of your Son in birth and death. Strengthen us with your grace that, as he suffered for the truth, so we may boldly resist corruption and vice
and receive with him the unfading crown of glory. We ask this through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

READINGS
Revelation 6: 9-11
Psalm 11 or 71
Romans 6: 1-5
Matthew 14: 1-12 or Mark 6: 14-29