Herodias had desired the death of John the Baptist for some time but was unable to see her desires accomplished. Herod stood in the way. And so she waited….for an opportune day. When it came, she was ready. Herod had thrown a birthday party for himself. A feast, certainly accompanied with enough drinking to dull good judgment. The important, influential and prominent men were in attendance. So when he gave his word to Herodias’ daughter to give her whatever she asked, and she asked for that one thing that he hadn’t really wanted to part with, he was put in a difficult position. The Bible makes it clear that because of those who sat with him he complied with her request. To do otherwise would be to damage his reputation. He didn’t really want to kill John, but he preferred to maintain the good opinions of men.
Our adversary, the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8). He is waiting for an opportune day. A day when circumstances have come together to make the possibility of compromise optimal. Most days we realize that the benefit of obeying God is always greater than the cost. But then there is that opportune day when the cost seems greater than what we are willing to pay.
In myself, everyday is an opportune day for sin to overpower me. But in Him, Jesus, I have everything I need for life and godliness. If I will only stay in Him, every day will be an opportune day….not for sin, but for victory, peace and a God-glorifying life in the Spirit.
He is my Delight 