Goodmorning and welcome in everyone. Today, we are going to take a look at a passage of scripture, but before we do that I wanted to share something with you.
I’ve mentioned this before, but many years ago because of my beliefs, I wanted to come out from the world and to be separate. I built a small little cabin out in the woods where we lived. All of my children I delivered on our bed at home, and encourage all men to do. To see their first breath as your deliver them is truly amazing. Because of our extreme poverty, the very first bed that Andrew slept on in our small little cabin, was made out of cattail down. One very cold winter day, my wife and I put on some snow suits, and walked deep into the woods and gathered up enough cattails so Andrew could have a soft place to lay on. We sowed them inside a giant pillow mattress, similar to a modern-day futon. I can remember that day as if it was yesterday. In my mind, through my cold frosty breath, I can still remember as the cattails moved from side to side in the sub-arctic breeze.
This reminds me of the Christian Life.
Cattails are very different from a strong oak tree. They can be moved around very easily and swayed in a light breeze, but our faith needs to be far stronger than that, if we truly want to enter into paradise. It needs to be strong and unmovable, just as the faith of John the Baptist.
Matthew 11:7-9 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
The Lord Jesus taught not to judge by others by appearances. (1) There were probably many people who judged John the Baptist based on what he looked like, but the truth is that on the inside, he was a man filled with spiritual knowledge and a seeking heart. He wasn’t concerned about money, but like Moses, was more concerned about his relationship and love for Christ Jesus. (2) Scripture teaches us that we are supposed to be content in all things. (3) Our beloved John the baptist was certainly content eating the things that God provided him with such as locusts and wild honey. (4) I’m sure that there were many people who quickly took offense at his lifestyle, taking issue with his clothes and diet, but the truth was, he really didn’t care about the opinion of men, just as the Apostle Paul didn’t. (5)
People spoke evil about the outward appearance of John the Baptist, just as they spoke the same evil about Christ, (6) John’s life was the evidence of an unshakeable faith. Unlike so many others who in these latter days shake like a reed blowing in the wind, John’s beliefs were rock solid, rooted and grounded in truth. He is an ensample to all of us, how we must all be incapable of being moved or swayed from our faith. (7) Just as Moses stood in the presence of Pharaoh, warning the ruler of Egypt of God’s judgments and punishments because of his impenitence, these men are all examples of those who truly fear and revere Christ, which is commanded by God. (8,9,11)
These men understand authority, because they serve the God who created all authority. (10) We need not fear the opinion of men or their actions and deeds, we must fear the blessed Son of God, Christ Jesus, who will ultimately destroy the souls of the wicked in an everlasting lake of fire. If you truly want to talk about authority; judgment, punishment, and eternal vengeance…. it’s coming, For all those who have been oppressed in this world, it will appear. Praise the Lord and Master of our faith. The day of vengeance is at hand. Holy and reverend is HIS name, now and forevermore. If you are going to fear anything, you had better fear HIM, to whom all souls will kneel in His presence. John the Baptist warned people to prepare for the coming final judgment, and I warn you to do the same.(12)
Joseph was a true prophet who suffered needlessly at the hands of his own relatives. Noah was the same kind of man, who prepared himself and his family for the destruction of the world. This world and everything in it will eventually be gone, whether people want to believe it or not. Justice will, and is going to prevail, I can promise you that. I am forewarning and advising you that you had better make sure that when the fire comes down, you had better be on the right side,… the side of Christ Jesus. The beloved God of Mercy will show no mercy to those who reject His Son and what He taught.
John the Baptist was not a man that you would have expected to see, because he was not of this world. His greatest love was Jesus, moreso than himself. True self denial is about making the choice to deny your own desires or what you want in this life. Therein lies the concept of divine love for God. It’s similar to a wife who displays self denial, standing faithfully by their husband’s side, in sickness, health, wealth or poverty.
What do people expect to see in a prophet? Do they really expect to see fancy robes or a divinity degree on the wall from someone who ordains women? What do they expect to see in a prophet? Do they really expect a three-piece suit and a $40,000 truck? What do they really want to see? Someone who is robbing the poor and stealing them blind, or a poor man who is humble before God. What do they expect to see? Do they really want people to show up in limousine with lots of guards and fancy clothes? The world wants to see the world, while the rest of us understand the kind of man that beloved John was.
The next time you think about a prophet, think about the man whom God chose as one of the greatest prophets born of women. A man that spoke the truth in Christ no matter how much evil was spoken about him. Our beloved John was a simple man, meek and humble, serving Christ. Poor in the eyes of the world, but rich in wisdom. Do you possess the same attributes? Is your faith as strong as Him? Are you a reed blowing in the wind, or a rock that is completely…..
…….Unshakable?
Let’s think about these things for right now, and Lord willing, we will talk with you some more tomorrow. Till then, bye bye everybody. ❤️
tlkjbc.wordpress.com
(1)John 7:24 (2)James 2:5 (3)1 Tim 6:6-8 (4) Matt 3:4 (5)1 Cor 4:3 (6) Matt 11:18-19
(7) Colossians 2:7 (8) 1 Peter 2:17 (9) Hebrews 12:28 (10) Col 1:16 (11) Matthew 10:28 (12) Matthew 3:1-6
.
Teufer Lake King James Bible Church 