Mt14

Our response to tragedy reveals the deep roots of our faith! John the Baptist was brutally murdered by Herod because of Herod's foolish pride and perverted mind. When Jesus heard the news what did He do? The "forerunner", the prophet, "Elijah", His cousin, His friend was gone!

Jesus withdrew! He went up to a lonely place to be alone. And later, after ministering to over 5000, He went up to the mountain by Himself to be alone and pray! He needed time alone with His Father. He needed time to think and pray. He needed to be alone. He needed to be surrounded by the presence of God and the beauty of creation.

When tragedy strikes our life what is our response? Do we take the time to seek God? Do we get away from the business of the world and reconnect with God? Is He the One we go to in time of need and crisis? I am challenged by this.

Notice that Jesus didn't even mention John's death in the following paragraphs. Nothing was said of John's brutal death or Herod's wicked heart.  Not yet anyway. That will come.