THE DANCE OF HERODIAS’ DAUGHTER

Reference text: Matthew 14:1-12

Today’s Gospel is one that ensures that the daughter of Herodias ‘gets bad press’. In fact, together with her mother, they probably rank closely to the other female characters in the Bible who were seen as villains – Jezebel and Delilah being the other two. So for all intents and purposes, this young girl to many will be nothing more than “a spoilt lady who was influenced by the mother to cause the death of a national prophet.”

But honestly, is that all there is to see? One thing we may overlook is” that dance she danced”. Scripture does not go into detail on this but we know a few things that:
1. That dance could have secured her half the kingdom (Mark 6:23)
2. That dance earned a King’s reward
3. That dance caused John to lose his head.

One other thing worth pondering on is that this young lady would have been given prior information that she was on programme performing at this party. It isn’t described, but we know for a fact that she would not have showed up unprepared. We always weep for John, but forget that the tables could have turned. Had she messed up and disgraced the King in the company of his guests, her head could have been on that platter.

The message then is an invitation, to think about “what dance you can dance”. Not in the literal sense, but what gifts, traits, talents, abilities and ideas will earn you a place for kings and warrant a reward from them? Because mind you, kings are those who reward. In other words, it matters before whom you dance. Joseph interpreted many dreams, but it was the King’s dream that made him prime minister.

So beloved, gain mastery in your craft and king’s will come to the brightness of your rising with rewards in hand.

#sly