Birthdays are a special time for remembering! Both on your part and those who care about you. Its funny how we look at them; first, how far we have grown. Does the phrase "almost thirteen" or "became an adult" come to mind. Later, other phrases like "over thirty", "over fourty" indicate other hurtles. Very much later, people begin referring to us as "over the hill" or "Septaginarian". I like to think of birthdays as an accomplishment, because I have lived a lot longer than I ever thought I would. No matter how you look at it, birthdays are usually a fun time; with presents, good food and celebrations. But not always...
WEB: Matthew Chapter 14
[1] At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus, [2] and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptizer. He is risen from the dead. That is why these powers work in him.” [3] For Herod had laid hold of John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. [4] For John said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” [5] When he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. [6] But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced among them and pleased Herod. [7] Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatever she should ask. [8] She, being prompted by her mother, said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptizer.”
[9] The king was grieved, but for the sake of his oaths, and of those who sat at the table with him, he commanded it to be given, [10] and he sent and beheaded John in the prison. [11] His head was brought on a platter, and given to the young lady: and she brought it to her mother. [12] His disciples came, and took the body, and buried it; and they went and told Jesus. [13] Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat, to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot from the cities.
[1] At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus, [2] and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptizer. He is risen from the dead. That is why these powers work in him.” [3] For Herod had laid hold of John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. [4] For John said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” [5] When he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. [6] But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced among them and pleased Herod. [7] Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatever she should ask. [8] She, being prompted by her mother, said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptizer.”
[9] The king was grieved, but for the sake of his oaths, and of those who sat at the table with him, he commanded it to be given, [10] and he sent and beheaded John in the prison. [11] His head was brought on a platter, and given to the young lady: and she brought it to her mother. [12] His disciples came, and took the body, and buried it; and they went and told Jesus. [13] Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat, to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot from the cities.
John the Baptist was a marvelous character. He reminds me of Elijah, but without the fire-bending. But, he made enemies and Herod had him executed. Why? Because of lust and because of hatred for the exposition of sin!!! It obviously hurt Jesus because he had to be alone afterward. Personally, I would have rather had the birthday cookies in the picture, but there is no accounting for some peoples' taste. So, think long and hard about what you want for your next birthday. My birthday is in May and I already have a list, but I assure you, that revenge is not on it!!!!!