All Saints
Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Jesus; and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again. Herod said, "John I have beheaded, but who is this of whom I hear such things?" So he sought to see Him. Luke 9:7-9
John’s mission was one of preparation. He ran before Jesus, the salvation of all souls, to prepare the way for Him. John labored endlessly in this ministry, but at some point, it had to come to an end. To that point, John said, “He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) And so, as Jesus gained in popularity throughout the regions of Galilee, Samaria, and Judea; John decreased by lying in the prison cell of King Herod. John was arrested for attempting to call Herod to repent and telling him that his marriage was unlawful. And although John was right, he was beheaded by the king.
This death may seem most dreary, but John knew what he believed. He had faith in Jesus as His Savior. Even though it may seem that the wicked have all the power, they have won nothing. John was the real winner, and so are we through Jesus our Savior. Even though the death of believers may be gruesome, they have forgiveness, salvation, and victory through the gruesome death and glorious resurrection of their Savior.
Behold a host, arrayed in white, like thousand snow-clad mountains bright,
With palms they stand, Who is this band before the throne of light?
Lo, these are they of glorious fame who from the great affliction came
And in the flood of Jesus’ blood are cleansed from guilt and blame.
Now gathered in the holy place their voices they in worship raise,
Their anthems swell where God doth dwell, mid angels’ songs of praise.
The Lutheran Hymnal 656:1