By Mike Caton

John 3:24, This was before John was put in prison.

Wait a minute here, John the Baptist is put in prison? Yes, but these events happen before that. John the Evangelist is giving us a time reference, the things that are about to happen are earlier. John was still free, he was still teaching and baptizing as he was called to do. You would think if a person was faithful, was committed to doing God’s will, was obedient that things would go along pretty well for him. But as Christians, we know better than that. Following God does not guarantee smooth sailing, in fact, the opposite is often true.

Matthew 14:3 tells us, Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. This Herod was the son of the man who had put the babies to death trying to kill Jesus. His brother, Phillip, had married their niece. But Herod had struck a fancy to her and convinced her to leave Phillip and marry him. The lady had left one uncle for the other. John confronted them, saying it was not right. And Herod rewarded John by throwing him into prison. Herod wanted to kill John, but was afraid of the people, so John ended up setting in prison for a while, before he was finally beheaded.

Following God is no guarantee of smooth sailing in this world. In fact, Jesus often warned his followers they would face trouble and persecution. So, we simply need to be prepared and we need to expect unfavorable treatment. But when we do, we need to keep the faith, we need to continue to trust that God us ultimately in control and that he will care for us through whatever storm we are facing. Our faith is in God, not a good life here.

Father, help me keep my eyes on you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works part time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

READ ABOUT COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS HERE. 

ALSO OF INTEREST:

Weekly Devotion – John 3:19