Greatly puzzled, but sure like to listen? Mark 6:20

In my daily bible reading today Mark 6:20 caused me to pause and consider this thought...

Jesus had sent his disciples out and Herod heard about it (and the work they were doing of teaching and having authority over unclean spirits). People began to say Jesus was Elijah, or a prophet, but Herod believed he was John the Baptist raised from the dead. Herod had John killed a few verses later, but let me just look at these verses right now.

Mark 6 said...
¹⁷ For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. ¹⁸ For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” ¹⁹ So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, ²⁰ because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled^[c]; yet he liked to listen to him.

The amplified bible puts it this way...
 ²⁰For Herod had [a reverential] fear of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and [continually] kept him safe [under guard]. When he heard [John speak], he was much perplexed; and [yet] he heard him gladly.

Herod, hearing John the Baptist even speaking out against him and his marital status, had a reverential fear of John because he was a righteous and holy man. When John spoke, Herod although perplexed and puzzled was glad to hear him.

How is our  walk of holiness and your verbal witness today?

1st - although Herod didn't "get" John, he reverentially feared and respected John because his witness was one of righteousness and holiness. Even though John spoke against him, his relationship, and even though his wife hated John so much that she put Herod in a position to ultimately have him beheaded, Herod even tried to protect John. What an amazing testimony, that John's life impacted Herod so much, that Herod even stood up for him, even though they didn't see eye to eye.

2nd - although Herod didn't "get" John, and his words were often condemning or against Herod, Herod liked listening to Him.

Let's us as Salvationists and followers of Jesus live such righteous and holy lives, that even though we would preach against the world and it's conduct, they would respect us and know that they "want us around" even when we don't see eye to eye. Let's be so true to the sharing of God's Word, both with His boldness and compassionate love, that even though we would speak against peoples behavior and conduct, they would still like to listen to us because we offer hope eternal through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Is anyone puzzled by you? Is anyone listening to you?

How is your life of holiness and your verbal witness today?

Live holy, preach Jesus!