John the Baptist was a voice from God after
a long time. Prior to his coming there was a period of silence which God did
not speak or reveal himself to His people. All the while they were yearning to
hear from God. So when John came, speaking for God, his arrival was welcoming
and refreshing, because God’s voice was heard once again. Large throngs of
people were attracted and would come to River Jordan to receive their water
baptism and confessing their sins. John is described as a simple man with an
unusual diet consisting of locusts and wild honey. Even his dressing was simple
and modest. But his message was powerful and compelling. Through it, we see how
God desires to connect with His people, and how He yearns for His people to
return to the realm of His rule.
John came to introduce the King and His
realm. Being Jewish, the term “God” was considered too sacred and unworthy for
mortal to flippantly and casually mention. So the word heaven was used to
substitute the word ‘God’. That’s why John called this realm, the Kingdom of
heaven instead of the Kingdom of God. The one pre-requisite for anyone who
wants to come under the domain of the King is for one to turn away from their
sinful past and acknowledge the King. And to indicate one’s willingness to
severe with his past, one must submit to water baptism. The act symbolizes a
life that’s cleansed. And only people who would genuinely, sincerely and willingly
turn away from their past, are qualified to go through this ceremony of
cleansing. John refused to baptise those who did not show genuine departure
with their sinful past. That’s the reason he told the Pharisees and the
Sadducees to examine their conduct and depart from those conduct before coming to
him for cleansing.
He pointed out several things to the Jews
who felt that they were special, and that God would deal with them with favour,
because of their forefather Abraham. They were seeking special favour because
of their connection with Abraham. John told them not to presume on their
relationship. For it is of no consequence if one does not have a personal relationship
with the King. He wanted them to know that a new era has arrived. It’s an era
which God seeks a personal relationship with anyone who would repent from his sinful
past, acknowledge His Kingship and come under His rule. John underscores for us
that every tree that fails to bear fruit is at the risk of being cut down and
thrown into the fire. By implication, we see that trees that can bear fruit are
those whose lives are connected to God. We need to know that God is looking for
fruit bearing trees.
The Lord is seeking for people who would embrace
His kingdom. He is seeking for people who would turn away from their sinful past.
His water is still ready to cleanse. His axe is still laid at every fruitless
tree. His fire is still rekindled to burn away the dross. He is bringing justice
and joy to everyone who turns to Him. Let us hear and discern the voice of the
Spirit!
No comments:
Post a Comment