“Recipe For Regret” – MARK 6:25-29

Herod’s position (his guests were witnessing all of this); his arrogance (foolish oaths) and his lust (feelings for a seductress) outnumbered the looming grief by a count of three to one (6:26). A murder was waiting to happen. People were watching. A young lady was actually expecting a human head on a platter. And, the king did not want John to die.

These were the ingredients in a recipe for disaster.

To stop the train and do the right thing would cause him public shame. Herodias would probably turn her schemes toward him. And that “poor young girl” who had danced her heart out might not get her wish. Oh, for the wisdom of Solomon in times like these. Sure would have been a nice time to add a creative ingredient to the mix that would change everything.

As it stood, Herod would suffer grief and regret and John would lose his life (6:28).

Chances are you have never been in a “life or death” situation. Chances are you have been in a situation where your unwise decisions have placed you in a spot where you could not foresee a good outcome. Maybe you’ve never experienced, “better him than me”.

Usually at those moments, the missing ingredient in the mix is humility.

Herod could have stood up and announced that the little game had gone on long enough and must stop. He could have transferred John to another dungeon out of ear-shot of Herodias. He could have found an alternative “gift” for his step-daughter. He could have taught a valuable lesson on leadership to the powerful guests. He could have provided a moral lesson stating “the life of the least of my subjects is more than half my kingdom.”

Greatness eluded him and grief came to him.

John’s disciples carried the victim of his arrogance to an early grave (6:29).

Several years ago I held my daughter in my arms and listened to her grief-stricken weeping when her new kitten was killed by our dog. She spoke into the air those heavy words we all have said at one time or another, “I wish I could go back in time and change it!” Regret.

There will be no greater day of regret than the day of judgment. Too many to count are the things I wish I could go back and change. Sin added to my life is a recipe for disastrous regret. People are watching, expectantly.

The change in this particular recipe comes from the dual ingredients of my humility and Christ’s blood.

Some watch Christians to see if they will slay Jesus and continue with the party and not “disappoint” any of the guests.

Others watch for a gleam of humility and the inner strength to stand up and say, “No more … my bad … it has to end”.

Such a stand adds another ingredient to the mix … Jesus’ strength.

To stand against the world is a decision you must make own your own, but you cannot do alone. Jesus can never share your regret, because when He is there your regret is gone.