Luke 9:9 - Trust and Obey

Luke 9:9 (ESV)

Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him.

To use the language from Jesus’ earlier parable, Herod was rocky ground. He had received John’s message gladly according to Mark 6:20, but it never took root. He did not act on it and so ended up imprisoning and eventually beheading John. Now he hears about Jesus’ ministry and can’t help but wonder whether John has come back from the dead. He is curious. He sought to see Jesus yet failed to see him until Jesus’ trial.

There is danger in hearing God’s word and not acting on it. When the Spirit speaks and we fail to act, our hearts get calloused against him. When we hear the Word and fail to act, we are building on an unstable foundation. Jesus’ story of the house built on the rock versus the house built on sand comes to mind here. I am reminded of the old chorus, Trust and Obey. Herod loved to listen to John but failed to act on John’s message. We need to not only hear God’s word we need to act on it. Like Herod, not acting on what we hear may lead us down a path we do not desire. Today may we listen and obey.