December 18, 2021

HAPPY SABBATH, beloved!

We have been revisiting the details of the birth of Jesus and His forerunner, John the Baptist. Flash forward for a moment: Early in His ministry, Jesus spoke about His cousin John the Baptist saying:

“For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist” Luke 7:28a

So Isaiah, Elijah, Jeremiah, and King David, among many others, are less than or at best equal to John the Baptist. Jesus never explained exactly why none of the previous prophets were greater than John the Baptist, but we can observe a very distinguishing point in John’s ‘job description,’ if you will: he served in the position of forerunner to Jesus Himself. None of the previous prophets had that particular privilege.

In early times, a forerunner was to run ahead of traveling royalty to fill in potholes and pits, clearing the road of obstacles, perhaps rocks, dead animals, or fallen trees, that would hinder the progress of travel. Isaiah 40:3-4 is an explicit reference to this practice. John the Baptist took his assignment seriously and was very compelling at calling people to repentance. He was not afraid to name specific sins. The Biblical definition of sin is breaking God’s law (see 1 John 3:4). Sin has a spiritually blinding effect, but a willingness to be corrected opens spiritual eyes. Do I hold on to potholes and obstacles? If so, it is likely that I will trip over a treasured obstacle only to fall into a pit! Jesus went on to say:

“…but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” v.28b

John was faithful to his divine calling. Today we must be faithful in helping to prepare the world for the return of Jesus. There are many obstacles in place; put there by the enemy, that roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). False teachings about the character of God and misinterpretations of His Word are rampant today and continue to be taught at every turn (see 2 Peter 3:16). Just as Jesus warned, false Christs are being presented (see Matthew 24:24). A systematic study of the Scriptures brings refreshing clarity. It is the responsibility of believers to boldly, yet humbly, set the record straight in order to show the real Jesus to the world. Each of us must take hold of every opportunity to make Him known . . .

He must become greater, I must become less. John 3:30 (NIV)