There is no other character in the New Testament, outside of Jesus of course, that intrigues me more then John the Baptist. This man grew up like any normal kid with 70 yrs. old parents, in a pastor's home, knowing the Scriptures and then, like many young men of that day going into the same business his father had, by becoming a rabbi. But here is where the similarities end and sheer conviction and obedience begins.
John starts his ministry not in some pristine pulpit, with thousands gathered to hear him but rather he begins in the desert, he sets up a box and begins to preach a message of repentance, and baptism for the forgiveness of sins, he addresses the inward character and not merely the outward. This was an unique message, since Jews did not get baptized, that was something that Gentiles did to become Jews, but John ushers in the Messiah, by saying it has nothing to do with your heritage it is all about your heart (Luke 3:7-9), this would later lead to his imprisonment and eventual death.
One of the things that absolutely fascinates me with John was his commitment to preach the Gospel and prepare the way for Jesus. No matter the cost, no matter the mocks and rebukes, even the imprisonment, John preaches well the Gospel. He points people not to a religion, that had become more about duties and obligations, but he points them to a terminal heart condition that needs a Savior to rescue.
How similar our job as the regenerate, we point people to the coming King, we point them to a Jesus who is reconciling all things to Himself, and we get to do this not for our own glory or praise but we have the great opportunity to deflect anything we get back to HIm (Luke 3:15-17). This is what I love about John so much, he had the opportunity to build himself a kingdom, but he did not, rather with every ounce of energy he pointed it to Jesus as the One who would save and redeem.
Today as you live on mission, remember John the Baptist and draw strength from a man whose ministry was not defined by numbers or growth, but by a constant pursuit and proclamation of the Gospel.
LOVE GOD LOVE PEOPLE
About Me
- Fellowship Church Lubbock
- We are not perfect, but we have been saved by the one who is. He did it by grace alone, through faith alone, on the basis of Christ alone, for the glory of God alone, revealed infallibly by the Scripture alone.
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