This week’s Gospel reading from the Lectionary of the Book of Common Prayer picks up in the Gospel of Luke, where we left off just prior to Christmas, and we find ourselves in the presence of John the Baptist. John has been preaching his message of repentance, of turning one’s life away from sin, and towards God. He has been baptizing people in the River Jordan, and speaking of the one who is to come after him, who will baptize with both fire and the Holy Spirit.
John the Baptist quickly became a very popular figure, with many people flocking to hear his message. John did not hesitate to preach a very powerful message of everyone’s need to repent from their sins. There hadn’t been any prophets for several hundred years, and now John appears. Because of his strong and fearless message, some people wondered whether he might be the coming Messiah (vs. 15). John quickly refutes that, stating that he is definitely not the Messiah, but that he is not even worthy to unstrap the sandals of the one who will come after him (vs. 16). Unfastening a sandal strap was the lowliest slave’s task, along with washing one’s feet. John the Baptist didn’t even feel worthy to do that for Jesus. Many popular preachers fall victim to pride. Once the crowds start flocking to hear them preach, once their books start hitting the best sellers list, they think they are someone special. They now feel they deserve to be chauffeured around in limos, the first class seats on jets, etc. John the Baptist was quite popular. He could have passed the offering plate around so he could get some new, fancy clothes, a nice mansion, etc. That was the last thing on his mind. He remained humble, saying he wasn’t even worthy to be the very lowest of slaves to Jesus.
John the Baptist was not only very humble, he also was fearless in his message to the people. Unlike many preachers, both then and today, John’s message wasn’t meant to tickle the ears of his audience. He preached repentance. John also said that the coming Messiah would do the same, separating the chaff from the wheat (vs. 17). Chaff is the husk of the grain, which is worthless and separated from the kernel of corn or wheat. Those who refuse to repent and follow God are the chaff. Those who do repent and turn to God are the kernels of grain. Those who refuse to be used by God will be discarded because they have no value in furthering God’s work. Those who do repent and believe are of great value in God’s eyes, and can have a productive life of service for Him.
John was also very fearless when it came to who he called out regarding their sin. John fearlessly spoke against the sinful lifestyle of the current King Herod. The Herod family was a very powerful, murderous, deceitful family. John boldly and bravely spoke against King Herod’s actions of taking his brother’s wife (vs. 19-20). Queen Herodias had first married King Philip, who was a blood uncle. Then later she left him for his brother, Herod Antipas, who was also another blood uncle. To rebuke both Herod Antipas and Herodias for their sins was quite dangerous, but it was what God wanted.
John was not afraid to speak up. He was not afraid to speak against the king, nor was he afraid to speak out against the hypocritical religious leaders of his day, either. Too often today, when sin is being committed by people, we are afraid to speak up. It certainly is not the popular thing to do, and many, including preachers, often just prefer to keep their mouths shut. The few who do speak up are promptly scorned, held in contempt, and ridiculed, especially by the media. However, sometimes it is the right thing to do. In John’s case, it cost him his freedom, as he was arrested and later beheaded by King Herod (Mark 6:17-29). Herod thought he had the last word then, but he didn’t. On the Day of Judgment Herod will be in trouble, while John the Baptist will be rewarded.
Are you afraid to speak up when there is rampant sin and wrongdoing going on? I know that sometimes I am. The Church needs more men and women who are like John the Baptist, believers who are humble and not full of themselves, and who fearlessly preach the Word of God, regardless of the consequences.
No comments:
Post a Comment