Each day, we are faced with many opportunities to speak to people who are lacking a relationship with Jesus Christ. More often than not, our lives and opinions will have little in common with those in the world, especially if we are focused on the spiritual realm, rather than the physical realm. Sometimes, we can offend others with our view of Biblical truth. That offense can lead to severed relationships, yet even in the midst, God is in charge. We should not measure success against the cares of the world, as God will win any battle we are involved in. Have you ever offended someone by sharing God’s love and laws?
John the Baptist is a wonderful, biblical example of a man who failed by all earthly standards, yet gained victory by heavenly standards. While still in the womb, John was filled with the Holy Spirit, according to Luke 1:15. Elizabeth, a cousin of Mary the mother of Jesus, was six months pregnant with John when Mary came to share her news, and at that time, Elizabeth also was filled with the Spirit. John adhered to the vows of a Nazirite from birth, as he never drank wine or cut his hair, spending his life following God.
6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. 8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Mark 1:6-8
Pointing to the coming of Jesus, as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,” John baptized others and Jesus in the Jordan River. Yet, he likely appeared as a homeless man to others of his day. Additionally, he witnessed all three manifestations of God present at that event, as while Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove. At the same time, the Father spoke, saying, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Mark 1:11).” That event began the ministry of the Messiah, and ended the ministry of John. Soon after, John spoke out against the marriage of Herod Antipas. Herod was not an autonomous king of Israel. In fact, the Romans were in power, and Herod was not much more than a figurehead to the Jews. Yet by paying tribute to the Romans, Herod enabled himself to flex an occasional muscle.
Though Herod was recognized by Mark Antony as the Jewish national leader, he did not adhere to Mosaic Law. Upon divorcing his wife to marry Herodias, his niece and the wife of his brother, Herod’s actions received strong condemnation from John the Baptist. Threatened by that condemnation, Herod had John arrested and imprisoned. Salome, the daughter of Herodias and both Herod’s niece and step-daughter, danced in a way to please Herod. He promised her anything, and prodded by her mother, Salome asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter.
Was it a mistake for John to be outspoken concerning Herod’s disobedience of God’s Law? Regardless of severed relationships or severed heads, John spoke with the truth of the Lord. Though his life ended abruptly, God’s plan continued in John’s absence. As John died, the era of the prophets ended. How great was John? Jesus tells us that of all the Old Testament prophets, He was the greatest!
Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Matthew 11:11
Though John had baptized for the repentance of sins, the baptism of the Holy Spirit given by Jesus empowered believers to walk away from sin. Those of us alive in the Church Age have been given an amazing gift, as the Holy Spirit remains with us every moment of our walks. Don’t lose sight of the fact that serving God may include difficult choices, yet we never should be severed from the truth. Though heads will roll, the Head of our Church is Jesus Christ!
“Behold, I send My messenger,
And he will prepare the way before Me.
And the Lord, whom you seek,
Will suddenly come to His temple,
Even the Messenger of the covenant,
In whom you delight.
Behold, He is coming,”
Says the LORD of hosts.
Malachi 3:1
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