Scripture Union Daily Guide

Wednesday, March 5th, 2025.

Day 63.

Text: Matthew 14: 1-12.

Topic: An ABUSE of Power!

Questions: 1 and 2.

Click the link to answer questions.

AN ABUSE OF POWER!

King Herod was given authority by the Roman Emperor to rule over Galilee. He used his power to ‘silence’ John the Baptist by killing him. But did that silence his conscience (see v.2)? He only has to hear about Jesus and His miracles for his guilty conscience to arise and torment him.
Like John the Baptist, we must boldly rebuke and condemn sin (vs.3-4) no matter whose ‘ox is being gored’!  It may result to persecutions, but we must be God’s faithful witness to all.

Many rulers in our nations have abused their power, causing innocent citizens to lose their precious lives.
More disheartening is the fact that the family and church are not spared this malaise of abuse of power.
How do we respond to the word of God today? Does the “Word” sometime remind us of our foolish acts, cruelty, lusts, and worldly ambitions? It is always good to respond in humble penitence or repentance whenever we remember that we have said or done something wrong.
If you were in Herod’s shoes what would you have done differently (vs.6-11)?

Meditation: Reflect on 1 Timothy 2:1-3 on why and how we should pray for those in authority.

PRAYER: Intercede earnestly for all in authority in both the church and the secular world.

Break down of the guide:

King Herod, ruler of Galilee, abused his power by killing John the Baptist, but this didn’t silence his guilty conscience. Herod’s conscience was tormented when he heard about Jesus and His miracles, showing that sin can haunt even the most powerful. As believers, we must boldly condemn sin, just like John the Baptist, even if it leads to persecution. We should respond to God’s Word with humility and repentance, acknowledging our wrongdoings and seeking forgiveness.

Prayer for Wednesday:

PRAISE GOD THAT HE IS OUR CREATOR AND KING. PRAY FOR THE LEADERS OF THE NATIONS, ESPECIALLY OF YOUR OWN NATION.