“When Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you’ ” (Mark 6:22).
Dozens of scientific studies show not only that children inherit many tendencies from their parents but also how they are inherited. And now we have evidence that even the experiences of grandparents and all a person’s progenitors—change the epigenetic gene expression to help shape a person’s personality.
This doesn’t mean that if your dad was a bank robber, you’ll end up like him. However, you may have inherited tendencies that you will want to overcome.
Salome, the daughter of Herodias, inherited some very unhealthy tendencies. Her mother was a vicious, vengeful woman bent on pleasing herself at any cost. Salome might not have realized she was being used when Herodias sent her to her stepfather’s party to dance. Classical art likes to depict the girl as being purposely provocative and dancing erotically before the king’s guests. Maybe she did, but the Bible doesn’t specify, and in their intoxicated state, it probably wouldn’t have taken much to please them.
Naturally, the girl was excited by her stepfather’s vow. She ran to her mother for advice, unaware that her mother held intense hatred within her heart. Salome might have been horrified by Herodias’ command that she ask for the head of John the Baptist. Perhaps she tried to convince her mother to choose another gift, but Herodias would have none of it, and Salome, possibly with great misgiving, carried her mother’s request to Herod.
Today, the world is full of girls, boys, men, and women like Salome. They’ve been raised by less-than-ideal parents in a society overflowing with bad examples, in a culture that worships sensuality. Is there any hope for them? Of course! Jesus specializes in “hopeless” cases. (All of us would be in trouble if He didn’t!)
Christ gives light to all of us and pursues us lovingly and relentlessly. He wants us to do the same. Are we pursuing the lost with the love of Jesus?
Dear Lord, help me to share Your saving light with those in darkness, starting today.
For Further Study: Mark 6:21-28; Matt. 14:6-12; 1 Cor. 6:9-11