Tags
John the Baptist, lead, love, matthew 11, redemption, the way, warning, wilderness
I woke up in the middle of the night, burdened by the condition of the world and the pain in it and cried out to God. What is the proper Christian response to the violence and chaos all around us? We’re told in scripture that if anyone lacks wisdom to ask and that he will give it graciously and without making fun of us or chastising us.
That’s when I heard a still small voice whisper to my heart, be a voice in the wilderness.
John the Baptist set that example for us.
Was he a voice of warning? Yes. Did he give instruction? Yes. Was he untraditional and did he interrupt the status quo? Yes. Did he make a difference? Yes. Was it painful? Ultimately, it cost him his earthly life.
Was he hateful? No. Was his message accepted? Sometimes. Did he, the cousin of Christ and the one paving the way have doubts? Yes. He even asked if Jesus was the one or should he wait on another in his jail time.
What was his message? Repent, be baptized and Behold, the son of God!
All of our actions, warnings, prayers and words should be lovingly, boldly pointing others to Jesus, the Prince of Peace, the Redeemer, the Saviour of the World. And if we can’t do that with love, pray for our enemies and even be willing to lay down our lives, we are as Paul said…sounding brass or tinkling cymbals. In other words, making a lot of noise, to just draw attention to ourselves.
Read chapter 11 in the book of Matthew for more insight. This is the chapter where John questions Christ during his unfair imprisonment. This is were Christ sends message that his work, miracles and healing continues on.
We’re told that from John the Baptist till now, the kingdom of heaven is being raided with and subject to violence. We’re also told in this chapter that those who ignore his miracles and repentance will suffer harsher judgment than Sodom.
He also referred to this generation as those who whine to each other about the things we do for others that doesn’t produce results. Probably because the words from their mouths were self righteous and works oriented instead of from a believing, sacrificing, obedient heart of love that points others to the good news, instead of, hey, look what we did in your name! Which leads to reference of those who say we did such and such and so and so in his name and he said, depart from me, I never knew you. Even the demons believe and tremble. But they don’t repent and follow. Just believing doesn’t get it.
Let’s avoid sharing a diluted message while thinking we’re sounding an alarm. Let’s offer hope with our warnings. Let’s love and pray for our enemies. Let’s operate in the fruits of the spirit. Let’s use self control. Let’s take our thoughts captive. Let’s bridle our tongues. Let’s not spew cursing with blessings. Let’s have the heart of Christ.
The chapter ends beautifully with a comforting passage that reminds us of our need for comfort and rest in him. It’s not our burden, it’s his. Rest and have peace in the King of Kings, Prince of Peace, Redeemer, Deliverer….Good News!
Look up, redemption draweth nigh!
Be that voice in the wilderness, the voice pointing to the way!
#goodnews #voiceinthewilderness #redemption #Jesus
Reference – Matthew 11