Bible Reading: Joshua 3; Psalms 126-128; Isaiah 63; Matthew 11
Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. (Matthew 11:11)
According to Jesus the greatest man ever born was John the Baptist. As a prophet he was TOTALLY FOCUSED on the mission given to him by God. He was not captured with the lusts of the flesh or of the world. Zachariah and Elizabeth had raised him right! They had kept him from worldly influences. He knew who he was and what God had called him to do.
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. (Matthew 3:1-4)
His ascetic lifestyle kept him from the temptations of the world. He was prophesied by Isaiah and he preached repentance. However, according to Jesus if you are born again, you are greater than John. How could Jesus say that? You have more light as a follower of Jesus than John had.
John was looking forward to the coming of the Messiah. You know his name – Jesus. John was waiting for the redemption that was to come. You have been washed with the precious blood of the lamb. John was awaiting the day when God's Spirit would be poured out upon men and women. You were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise when you believed in Jesus Christ. Because of the revelation of Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, you have a more privileged position in the kingdom of heaven than Enoch, Abraham, Elijah, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel or John the Baptist!
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (John 14:16-17)
If this is the case, what will you do with your privileged position in the kingdom of God? Will you, like John be TOTALLY FOCUSED on the mission that Jesus has given to you? Jesus has given you his Spirit for a purpose.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me… (Acts 1:8a)
Be a great witness for Jesus Christ!
In Christ,
Rody
