Sermon: July 14, 2024

Reading: Mark 6:14-29

A plumb line is an effective and simple tool, but it is also very ancient. It is thought to have been used in the construction of the pyramids and is mentioned several times in the Bible. In scripture, the plumb line is used metaphorically to measure ourselves to see if we are in line with God’s word.

And that’s the plumb line that John the Baptist held up for all of Israel to measure themselves against. For John, there’s no other option but to live our lives according to the plumb line of God’s love, mercy, and compassion. It was a call of repentance for people to make the necessary adjustments so they are straight and true.

In our gospel reading, Herod finds himself in a difficult position. He is being twisted into knots by using other things to guide him, such as greed, jealousy, anger, politics, public opinion, and pride.

We all have a choice. To be swayed like Herod, who was crooked and twisted into knots, or to use the plum line God placed among his creation in the way of Jesus Christ. A plumb line that doesn’t sway or bend to the whims or the opinions of society but stays true to God’s grace and mercy. Jesus Christ is a plumb line that cannot be moved to fit our personal goals or agenda. A plumb that stays true to God’s love. So, the question we have before us today and every day is, what do you use to measure yourself against; what is your plumb line?