Here’s an interesting verse:

When he [Herod] heard him [John the Baptist], he was very perplexed; but he used to enjoy listening to him. (Mark 6:20)

However, when push came to shove—in this case, saving face before others (v. 26) and indulging his sin nature (v. 22)—Herod rejected God’s Word and messenger. Although he “was very sorry” to have to execute John the Baptist (v. 26), his greater love for self controlled his actions.

Herod “enjoyed” listening to the preaching of the Word rejected God’s message and His messenger (v. 27)—a damning combination.

Merely listening to and enjoying great preaching isn’t enough; we must believe and obey it. Let’s watch our own hearts when we listen to God’s Word!

For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard (Hebrews 4:2)