So Many Opportunities

Luke 23: 6, 11

Now Herod (Antipas) was very glad when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him.... And Herod, with his soldiers, after treating Him with contempt and mocking Him, dressed Him in a gorgeous robe and sent Him back to Pilate.

Herod Antipas may not have been as ruthless and violent as his father Herod the Great (Matthew 2:16-18) or his brother Herod Archelaus (Matthew 2:19-22), but he still imprisoned John the Baptist for calling him on his immorality in marrying his brother Philip's wife (Matthew 14:3-5; Mark 6:17-20), then beheaded John to honor a foolish promise (Matthew 14:6-11; Mark 6:21-28). 

He had listened to John's teachings, conversing with him while in prison (Mark 6:20), but killed him anyway (Matthew 14:10; Mark 6:16).

Now he gets an opportunity to see Jesus, but treats the whole incident as a joke! 

So many opportunities to turn, but squanders them all.

How blind he was to Your goodness to him, Father.

Give me Your eyes to see the lost with Your love, Lord. Give me Your words and boldness to speak persuasively, to draw Your lost sheep into the fold. 

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!