[ampaterry]

Today is a feast day commemorating the beheading of John the Baptist. This day is celebrated in the Catholic, Lutheran, Church of England and many other Christian churches, and is one of the oldest feasts on the calendar. Eastern Orthadox and some other churches celebrate this as a fast day instead of a feast day.

The story of the martyrdom of St. John is told in several places. King Herod, lusting after his Step-daughter, promised her whatever she asked. On her mother's advice, she asked for the head of John the Baptist. Harod did as she asked:
Mark 6:27 (KJV);
“And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,”

Josephus gave an additional reason in
Antiquities of the Jews, Book 18, Chapter 5, section 2;
“Herod, who feared lest the great influence John had over the people might put it into his power and inclination to raise a rebellion, (for they seemed ready to do any thing he should advise,) thought it best, by putting him to death, to prevent any mischief he might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties, by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it would be too late.”

That might explain why Herod did not argue too much against killing this man of God.

Scripture tells us of the danger of Lust:
Proverbs 6:25 (KJV);
Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

Matthew 5:28 (KJV);
But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Make sure your heart is right, and your actions are not being directed by lust when dealing with someone of the opposite sex; be very careful not to lose your head over them!

May God bless each one of you with good judgment -