There is much we can learn from the life of John the Baptist. A man anointed and filled with the Spirit from the womb. There was no doubt he was called, anointed, appointed and chosen by God.
John was someone we'd consider radical. A man preaching in the desert, eating locust and wild honey, clothed in camel hair. A man that was not afraid to tell it like it was...even to those in positions of authority and government. Here was a man that did not seek the praise or approval of man. A man that was not swayed by popular opinion.
John preached repentance and was sent to prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Even as Jesus came to be baptised by John, that the scriptures might be fulfilled, John exhibited such humility. John declared that he was not worthy to even carry Jesus' sandals. He said that he was the one that needed to be baptised by Jesus, when Jesus came to be baptised by him.
As things progress we come to find John imprisoned for speaking out against the leaders of his day. Not for anything wrong, but for righteousness sake. At the same time Jesus' ministry is going forth with mighty miracles, sign and wonders. Yet, during this time John's faith begins to waver.
John sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is indeed the Christ. After all that John has done in the name of the Lord, and even more, he is the cousin of Jesus, yet Jesus does nothing to set him free, to remove him from the peril that lies before him. When John's disciples come to Jesus, He allows them to witness the works of God being manifested and then gives them a response to deliver to John. "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."
Jesus goes on to say great things about John the Baptist. He declares that John is "more than a prophet." He even goes so far as to say, "Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist."
The same God that delivered Daniel from the lion's den, the three Hebrew boys from the fiery furnace, the children of Israel from the hand of Pharaoh, allows John to be beheaded. Somewhere along the way John has forgotten that it's not about him, but about the glory of God being revealed through him.
I also think of Stephen, a young man full of fire and zeal for God. Stephen was willing to give his life for the One who had given His life for him. He is about to be stoned for righteousness sake and sees Jesus, no longer seated, but standing at the right hand of God, preparing to receive him into glory.
Who is in attendance at his stoning but Saul, the same man that come would come to be known as the Apostle Paul. I have to believe that this had a profound affect upon him and began to prepare his heart for what would later take place on the road to Damascus.
Oh that we would receive the grace and strength that allowed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to stand in face of persecution and the threat of death and declare that we know our God is able to deliver us, but even if He doesn't, we will not bow! Oh God, help us to realize that it is all for Your glory and Yours alone!
Selah.
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