Matthew 14:1-12

Matthew 14:1-12 
English Standard Version (ESV)

  We never understand everything that's going on in the world.  It's a big place, and there are so many people with competing interests that we just can't know what tomorrow brings.  Think of John, trapped in prison for following God, wondering what comes next, and then Herod's birthday brings a young girl dancing whose conniving mother catches Herod in a trap that leads to John's death.
  We never truly know -- so we are called to serve today, in the here and now, to rejoice in what God is doing and give thanks for his love and grace.  We cannot control our surroundings, and we cannot guarantee for ourselves the future.  All we can do is worship and rejoice that we have a King who sits on the throne and a God who is stronger than death.