September 1

So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison. — Mark 6:27 BSB

Jesus knows the best way His followers can serve Him. He sent the apostles out to teach and heal, but allowed John the Baptist to be captured, imprisoned, and ultimately killed.

We should be willing to serve our Master in whatever way He leads us. He may call us to a long life of active service, or He may ask us to honor Him by enduring persecution and hardship.

John's life seemed like a failure. He preached for only a few months, yet he was a great preacher, with hundreds coming to hear him. His murder seemed like a tragic waste, an irreparable loss for the kingdom of God.

But John's work was complete—he had done all he was sent to do. There was no reason for him to live any longer. When someone dies young, we often mourn their passing as untimely, but in God's timing, there are no mistakes. “Every man is immortal until his work is done.”