John the Baptist was put to death by Herod Antipas because John the Baptist rebuked Herod Antipas for committing adultery. Herod Antipas, the ruler of the northern part of Israel, took his brother's wife Herodias as his wife. Herodias tried to kill John the Baptist for exposing and rebuking their sin, and she became successful when Herod Antipas had a banquet for his officials on his birthday. When Herodias' daughter, Salome, danced for Herod Antipas and his guests at the banquet, Herod Antipas was so pleased that he wanted to reward Salome with whatever she wished. Salome asked her mother what reward she could ask Herod, and the mother asked for John the Baptist's head. Herod then, with hesitancy, gave in to the request and ordered to behead John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29).
Interestingly, God allowed John the Baptist to be beheaded even though He faithfully served Him. There is a perception that if we are faithful in serving God, He will protect us from any harm. However, there will be a time when God will allow us to die because it is time for us to go home and be with Him. God determines the number of our days on this earth because it is not meant for us to live on this earth forever. John the Baptist's mission on this earth was completed when he baptized Jesus, so it was not long after that this event took place.
So as children of God, we have to rest in the fact that our life is in the hand of our Heavenly Father. Death is not the end of us, but it is the beginning of a wonderful life in the very presence of our God. Heaven is our final destiny. No matter how we suffer on this earth or Satan tries to destroy our life, we have a wonderful life that awaits us. All our suffering will end when we get to Heaven. Let us continue to live for God and serve Him faithfully while we are still on this earth. No matter what happens on this earth, our life will always be in the loving hand of our Heavenly Father.
Ask yourself these questions: Where is my final destiny? Who numbers my days on this earth? How should I live while I am still on this earth?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I am grateful that my life is always in your hands. No matter what happens in this world, I am yours forever, for nothing can separate me from your love. Please help me live for you while I am still on this earth. Please help me to follow and serve you faithfully and use my life to be a channel of your love. In your name Jesus, I pray. Amen.