Our Scripture reading today is Luke 3:18-20.
Verses 18 and 20, "And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people. Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison."
The message of John the Baptist was not politically correct. It was not appreciated by Herod at all. He had clearly broken God's law and it needed to be challenged and condemned. The bold preaching by John did not win him any awards or applause. It put him into a new place of shelter...prison. “Josephus says that the reason for the arrest was that Herod ‘feared lest the great influence John had over the people might put it in his power and inclination to raise a rebellion; for they seemed ready to do anything he should advise.’” (Barclay) John the Baptist was a forerunner of Christ is his preaching and in his suffering.
As we seek to live by the WORD in 2023, we should not be surprised at the reaction of those around us. There could be some push back from family, friends, or co-workers. This might even lead to a separation of a sorts. Truth lived out has the ability to divide. Jesus said in Luke 12:51, "Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:" God's people need a holy boldness to declare the truth whether it is popular or not.