An aging priest entered the temple to burn incense before God. Appearing before him was an angel with a message that literally left him speechless. Through the unfruitful womb of his wife Elizabeth, a son would be born to which he was to name John. Through doubt, Zechariah was made mute and so remained until John’s birth.
Like each of us, John had purpose before being formed in his mother’s womb. When God gives us much, there is much that He expects. (Luke 12:48) John was to follow a strict dietary regimen like the great Samson, that of a Nazirite. (Luke 1:15, Judges 13, Numbers 6:1-4) It was foretold John would cause the hearts of men to change and in the spirit of Elijah he did, causing many to return to God. (Malachi 4:5-6, Matthew 11:14, Luke 1:16-17) God will assuredly give us the grace to handle His weight of glory and what an admirable grace He placed on John.
JOHN’S KEY CHARACTER TRAITS
- John was humble. He was comfortable with the simple necessities of life, living in the wilderness on a diet of locust and honey. John wore himself out only towards the labor of love God placed in his heart. John was respected by many, yet holding true to a posture of contentment he always pointed to the One that was greater than he. (John 1:19-34, Matthew 3:4)
- John was bold. He fearlessly proclaimed to all without prejudice “bear fruit in keeping with repentance” or simply put if you’re remorseful, being filled with godly sorrow, let your actions confirm such. (Luke 3:8)
- John was a teacher. Not only did John walk in the grace to confront wrong, but he taught solutions. THIS IS POWERFUL. Anybody can tell you what you’re doing wrong, but wise is the one who can lead you out and to a better alternative! (Luke 3:10-14)
- John was an evangelist. He boasted liberty to those bound in unfruitful living, full of unproductive conduct and producing consequences. Again, he brought people back to God, saving many. (Luke 3:18)
- John was a prophet. He was a spokesman for God, acting as His mouthpiece in the earth. John was a conduit, connecting directly to the Father and speaking His inspired utterances. (Matthew 11:9)
During the life of John the Baptist, Herod Antipas ruled over Galilee for Rome. Herod divorced his wife to marry Herodias, the wife of his half-brother Philip. John openly challenged Herod’s moral conduct without fear of his authority or possible repercussions. Herod didn’t want to be confronted with this truth especially with such an overwhelming crowd of witnesses, He feared to harm John, but eventually was responsible for John’s death. Reluctantly Herod obliged the request of his stepdaughter and consequently John was beheaded.
On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked prompted by her mother, she said ‘Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.
Matthew 14:6-8 (NIV)
Like John, we must be humble, bold, able to gently instruct those who oppose God, do the work of an evangelist and remain connected to God to speak His oracles accurately.
WAKE UP CHURCH
In comparison with the stance of John and the church today, it is clear that most are asleep. Taking a passive approach to be popular, and riding the backseat, allowing others in our spectrum of influence to drive and direct us. We have become the influencee, not the influencer…no longer operating as agents of change but agents of apathy. God help.
Pixabay/Geralt
Christianity isn’t a popularity contest. God’s word can be an offense (Jeremiah 6:10), so per the norm, you won’t be popular…SURPRISE! We aren’t of the world and aren’t designed to fit in, so don’t try to. (John 15:19) If you are trying to fit in, then reconsider your allegiance and who it’s to. You can either love the world or God. (1 John 2:15)
Be willing to stand for God before all and against all if you have to. Knowing that if you deny Christ before others He will deny you before God! (Matthew 10:32-33) Fear the One who can kill the body and destroy your soul in hell (Matthew 10:28) Be bold like John, if you are rejected, they aren’t personally rejecting you, it’s the One in you. (Luke 10:16) Believe and be established. (Isaiah 7:9)
Be prepared. Seven exorcists attempted to operate in something they were not prepared for, they used the name of Jesus to command a spirit. The spirit didn’t recognize their authority because they had none. All seven were beaten and fled naked after being overpowered by the one demonized. Preparation comes with time, take advantage of Bible Study, Worship services and personal time with God to grow! (2 Timothy 2:15, Acts 19:11-20)
This charge isn’t a license to hate, bash or criticize others. Simply speak the truth in love. Let your truth come with meekness, humility and purity of heart. Without purity of your heart, you stand no chance of seeing God. (Matthew 5:8)
A WAY OUT
Some are in positions and churches that have compromised God’s word. Who have imposed man’s belief’s over God’s word making it ineffective (Mark 7:13), but God in His endless mercy is providing you with a way out. Some think just because you personally don’t agree with certain practices you won’t be held accountable. God is saying if you’re around filth you’re going to end up dirty. Let me be more clear…if I don’t support abortions, I personally couldn’t work in an abortion clinic. Professing my convictions wouldn’t leave me blameless, each day I make myself guilty through association. (DISCLAIMER: This post isn’t about, nor was it inspired by abortions.)
Lot made himself guilty through association. He lived in Sodom, which had been rejected by God, the stench of its wickedness and immorality rose before Him, deciding the fate of its destruction. Although the scripture doesn’t teach Lot followed the ways of the majority, by simply living there he was set to be destroyed with the city. Two angels saved Lot at the right moment, bringing him out before its impending doom. (Genesis 19:16) God was merciful to Lot then and is merciful to us now. So take heed, come out…you don’t have to be captain to go down with the ship.
This isn’t a cop out to hide from the world, but simply an urging to stay out of communion-intimate relationship and covenant with anything in opposition to God.
STAND FIRM AND BE ESTABLISHED
The prophet Elijah stood firm in what God said and was established. He stood before a myriad of people, false prophets and a king in a standoff between God and Baal, a god fashioned by mortal hands and the God that fashioned our mortal hands. Altars were set before them on both sides, to honor each with a sacrifice, the catch was neither side could light their own altar. Rather God and Baal would have an opportunity to prove themselves by lighting their own altar, burning their own sacrifices. All day the prophets of Baal cried out to their god to no avail, their sacrifice remained unaltered. But God consumed the water drenched altar set before Him with fire from heaven proving His authority.
As Elijah inquired on that day, I ask of you…if God is God serve Him. Not with a wavering faith, but by firmly holding fast your confession of faith in affirmations and deeds.
PRAYER
Father, thank You for Your unfailing love and kindness towards us. Thank You for looking over us and caring for each one of us individually. I ask that You remove any distorted ideas from our minds, increase our sensitivity to You and Your thoughts. And I ask that You clear all divisions that would cause us to disobey Your wisdom. Purify the convictions of our hearts and give us the confidence to run with what You’ve given us. We submit to You and let us submit our gifts to our instructors, so we may be consecrated for Your service.
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