Herod was a ruler in title, yet his heart was ruled by fear, confusion, and the pressure to please others. Though he respected John the Baptist and knew he was a righteous man, he chose to silence truth to protect his image and satisfy the crowd. His sorrow didn’t stop him from making a tragic choice.
This sobering moment reminds us that people-pleasing leads to compromise. No matter our status, when we live for the approval of others, we become slaves to their opinions. True freedom is found not in pleasing people, but in fearing and honouring God. When God is our focus, we can walk in integrity, joy, and boldness—even in a broken world. Choose today whom you will serve. Let it be the One who never changes, whose approval brings life and peace.