Come to the Cross

Scripture
Mark 6:20 - 26
For Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe.  And then when he heard him, he was very perplexed; but he use to enjoy listening to him. 

Observation
Herod was afraid of John the Baptist because he knew he was a man sent from God (John 1:6).  He was God's messenger.  John preached a baptism of repentance and forgiveness of sins.  All the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him and they were being baptized by John in the Jordan River confessing their sins.  Herod kept John safe and was puzzled and uncertain, even bewildered but gladly listened to John.

Application
The Holy Spirit was at work in the heart of Herod.  He was aware of God's presence in John and was drawn to 'hear him' but did nothing to turn his heart to God and repent of his sins.  John was a man sent from God and walked in obedience to God and was righteous and holy.  God was the One who kept John safe - not Herod.  John's life ended because his days were fulfilled and his mission on earth accomplished.   
The Holy Spirit brings conviction that leads us to repentance but if we reject Him, we end up sinning even more.  Herod's adulterous sin with Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, eventually led him to murder the very man he was 'keeping safe,' who had spoken LIFE and TRUTH to him.  

Prayer 
Father, I pray as your Holy Spirit works in my life and convicts me of sins, that I will turn to You quickly, in total surrender and repentance.  Help me come to the cross of Jesus.  I want to be a do-er of the Word and not just a glad hearer of the Word.  I don't want my ears 'tickled' with the Words of Life, but I want to take them to heart and obey You.  Draw me close to You O God and never let me go.  Forgive me of all my sin and cover me with the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray.  
In Jesus Name, A-men.