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I never thought that those puritans, in their
opposition to dancing, really made a convincing case. But they missed a splendid opportunity
by overlooking the texts that are before us today. Here is Scriptural evidence that
dancing is dangerous. It can lead
to marital breakdown in one instance, or to an early death in another! THE REPATRIATION OF THE David’s
political genius is seen in how he went about uniting the Northern and
Southern tribes of The For the next twenty years it was housed in a
private shrine about ten miles West of David’s bringing the David’s wife, Michal, watches from her
window and is scandalized and horrified by the sight of the King’s unkingly
behaviour. When David returns
home she is quick to expresses her displeasure vitriolically and
sarcastically. She lets him have
it “with both barrels.” Did Michal have a case? In her view it was simply not proper
protocol for a King to behave in such a way. No way would her father Saul have
joined with the rabble and behave like them! Whether she was right or wrong in confronting
the King for his poor behaviour, it was very poor judgment on her part. This was ancient And so here is how the story ends for Michal:
And Michal the daughter of Saul had no child
to the day of her death. (2 Samuel 6:23) ENCOUNTER
OF JOHN THE BAPTIST AND KING HEROD In today’s Gospel we read about another
denunciation of a King’s behaviour. John the Baptist was a popular fiery
preacher. He drew a crowd
wherever he went--even in the desert.
His message was “REPENT!” And his message was the same to the
high and the low. If you sinned
and had broken the Law there is no hope unless you repent. The Day of Judgment is at hand. Not even the King was exempt. His marriage to
Herodias, a former wife of his brother, was a violation of God’s
Law. This previous marriage would
not be an impediment in either Roman or Canadian Law, but the union was
prohibited in the Leviticus Holiness Code. King Herod was not a Monarch like David had
been. He was a puppet of Herod had put John in prison, as much for own
protection than for any charge against him. John had made many enemies who wanted
him dead, not the least of whom was Herodias. Herod enjoyed visiting with
John in jail. John was no yes-man. In no way was his counsel tempered by
what Herod might be wanting to hear. But this arrangement was not what Herodias
wanted as the solution to the “John the Baptist problem.” 150
years in jail was not the answer she wanted! The
opportunity came for Herodias when Herod put on a birthday party for himself
and invited all the rich and famous and powerful people in the realm. The highlight of the evening was his
stepdaughter’s dance. We learn from the Jewish historian, Josephus,
that her name is Salome, and we learn from Richard Strauss that the
dance involved Seven Veils.
In any event Salome’s performance was a hit. Herod is so pleased
that he offers her anything she wishes, even “half of his kingdom.” Most would know that such an offer is not to
be taken literally. Should any of
you men take a trip to the Herod likely had in mind something like shoes
and a handbag. Salome had to
check with Mommy who instructed her what to ask for. Herod was no “David.” No one would catch him dancing in an
ephod. For Herod it mattered very
much what people thought. “Saving
face” was everything. So he caved in. Herodias got what she wanted. The tragedy of John the Baptist is a
fascinating story, but why does Mark include it his gospel, and in
particular, why does he put it where he does? The martyrdom of John is told as a “flashback”
which is inserted between Jesus’ sending out his disciples on a
mission, and their reporting back. Their mission was to proclaim that “ALL
SHOULD REPENT.” This had
been John’s message, and Jesus’ disciples knew what had happened
to him! The scene of John’s
disciples going to retrieve his body and preparing it for burial was fresh in
their minds. So we can be sure
that Jesus’ disciples went forth on their mission with considerable
anxiety, but they went forth, nevertheless! In the United Church of Canada we affirm in
our Creed that we are a people who seek justice and resist evil. If that is so, then we too are
committed to a message of repentance.
In the calling to speak truth to power faithfulness comes with a price
tag of possible rejection, misunderstanding, and putting our heads on
the line. Those disciples returned from their mission
bringing reports of healing and casting out demons. They were thrilled to be sharing in
Jesus’ work of ministry. And so, these stories of
confronting power with truth leave us with the question, “Is the reward
of sharing in God’s work of reconciliation worth the risks?” |
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